NZ Police Officer Seriously Injured In Solomon Islands

New Zealand Police 2 September 2008

A New Zealand police officer has received a serious leg injury while on patrol from a jungle outpost on the isolated southern coast of Guadalcanal, in the Solomon Islands, known as the "Weathercoast".

Constable Chris Renata of Auckland was on a foot patrol four kilometres from his station at Avu Avu on a routine visit to a jungle medical clinic when he was assaulted by a group of men. It is believed that one of the group is a man wanted for murder committed during the crisis in the Solomons Islands.

Superintendent Stu Wildon of the International Support Group at Police National headquarters in Wellington said Constable Renata received a slash to his leg from a machete.

"While the injury is serious it is not life-threatening. Constable Renata has been flown to Honiara where he is receiving surgery for the injury."

Mr Wildon said the Constable was not the sole officer stationed at Avu Avu. The other officer was not with Constable Renata when he received the injury and is safe. Another officer will be sent out to the post to maintain the Police presence in the area.

"Police reinforcements and military support have been sent to the area to search for and apprehend the offenders. Most importantly, though, we are just very relieved that Constable Renata's injuries are not more serious than they are."

ENDS

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