Police Looking for More Witnesses Following Assault on Officer

Thursday, 17 April 2014 - 3:56pm

Auckland City

The Auckland Police officer that received a head injury in an assault early this morning has been discharged from hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

Officers investigating the incident have established that a number of small groups were involved in various fights in the Apirana Ave area around midnight leading up to the assault on the Police officer, and are interested in talking to anyone who is able to assist with the investigation.

Detective Senior Sergeant John Sutton says the two men that were mentioned in an earlier press release have been interviewed and released, receiving a formal warning for fighting. “We are satisfied that these two men were not involved in the assault on the Police officer.

“We are still interested in hearing from anyone who knows anything about the incidents that occurred around Apirana Ave leading up to the assault and anyone else who was involved and urge anyone with information to come forward.” No arrests have been made in relation to the assault.

The Police officer involved was knocked unconscious in the assault which occurred when he responded to a call for service about a large group of people fighting. Two members of the public came to his assistance, using his Police radio to call for help.

“We’re grateful that he was assisted by two members of the public and that Police were able to respond quickly to this call for help.

"The welfare of our staff is important to us and we are working to support him, his colleague and all staff in our District. Police should not be subject to any kind of physical violence while in the role of protecting the community."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Auckland Central Police Crime Squad on 09 302 6557 or to submit information anonymously contact the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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