Cop's jaw fractured in attack

A long-serving police officer allegedly bashed after coming to the rescue of a battered woman yesterday has had 40 stitches to his face and needs to undergo dental reconstruction surgery.

The senior constable, who's been an officer for 40 years, was on patrol when he saw a man attacking a woman outside Nelson Public Hospital about 2.45pm.

He and a colleague got out of their patrol car to intervene when the man turned his attack on the senior constable, a police spokeswoman said today.

The 23-year-old Nelson man then allegedly tried to attack the second officer, but ran off after being pepper-sprayed.

The second officer took his bloodied colleague inside the hospital where doctors found his jaw to be fractured in three places and his face requiring 40 stitches.

He'll also need to undergo reconstructive dental surgery, the spokeswoman said.

"He's pretty battered and bruised, and we're expecting him to be off work for the next couple of weeks," she said.

He's now recovering at home.

The alleged offender was arrested around 11pm and was due to appear at Nelson District Court today charged with aggravated wounding.

Police are asking for anyone with information to contact them on 03 546 3840.

 

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