An Auckland police officer has received a serious leg injury after he was attacked while on patrol from a jungle outpost on the isolated southern coast of Guadalcanal, in the Solomon Islands.
Constable Chris Renata, of Auckland, was on a foot patrol 4km from his station at Avu Avu on a routine visit to a jungle medical clinic when he was assaulted by a group of men.
Superintendent Stu Wildon of the International Support Group at Police National headquarters in Wellington said it was believed one of the group was a man wanted for murder committed during the crisis in the Solomons Islands.
Const Renata received a slash to his leg from a machete. The injury was serious, but not life-threatening and he was flown to Honiara for surgery.
Supt Wildon said the constable was not the sole officer stationed at Avu Avu.
The other officer was not with Const Renata when he received the injury and is safe.
Another officer would 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.''
