Police are describing assaults on four police officers in Dunedin in the last two days involving biting and spitting as "appalling".
One officer received medical treatment, including a tetanus shot, after a man allegedly bit his forearm, drawing blood.
Acting Senior Sergeant Chris McLellan said three officers had been assaulted after arresting a man and a woman, both aged 36, early this morning.
Police were called to the Forsyth Barr Stadium, which is under construction for the Rugby World Cup, about 3.15am, after reports of people blocking off the road and redirecting cars through road cones.
They found the man and woman hiding in bushes and spent 10 minutes coaxing them out, Mr McLellan said.
"What proceeded from there was just a torrent of abuse, both verbal and physical."
The man allegedly bit the officer while being arrested, he said.
"Back at the station the female, not to be outdone, decided to spit at two police officers and also kicked one of them."
On Friday shortly after midnight, a police dog handler had stopped to speak to a 15-year-old boy, who "took a swing" at the officer but missed and was arrested, Mr McLellan said.
He then spat in the face of the officer on the way to the station.
Mr McLellan said such attacks against police were unusual.
"Obviously, the spitting and the biting is just disgusting... There are ongoing affects from spitting that can require medical treatment."
Saliva carried germs and hepatitis for example was a risk, he said.
"It's ... appalling behaviour, what else can you say."
Alcohol appeared to be factors in both cases.
High levels of intoxication were common in the small hours of the morning, particularly after the bars closed, Mr McLellan said.
Dunedin had more officers working and patrolling in the lead up to Christmas, he said.
The man and woman had been released on bail.
They were due to appear in Dunedin District Court on Thursday charged with disorderly behaviour, assaulting police, resisting arrest and unlawfully being on a property for going into the stadium.
The youth had been referred to youth aid.
