A Northland police officer was knocked out and his jaw dislocated when he was attacked while responding to a complaint about a stolen wallet.
The officer, understood to be a relatively new constable, was one of two who went to investigate a report of an assault and theft in Rawene about 2.45am on Thursday.
While the officers were outside a property interviewing a woman, a man approached, became aggressive, and an altercation took place. Two other men then joined in. One of the three struck the constable in the face.
Senior Sergeant Peter Robinson, of Mid North police, said the blow dislocated the officer's jaw and he fell backwards, hitting his head on the pavement. Reinforcements were called and a few hours later three men were arrested.
The man accused of throwing the punch, a 17-year-old from Rawene, was due in Kaikohe District Court yesterday charged with two counts each of aggravated assault and injuring with intent to injure.