Teen referred to Youth Aid over Kawhia attack

The Kawhia wharf. Photo / Christine Cornege

A teenager has been referred to Youth Aid over the attack on a Kawhia police officer on January 11.

Constable Perry Griffin was knocked to the ground at the Waikato seaside town's wharf by a group who allegedly kicked him and took his Taser, radio and pepper spray.

Inspector Paul Carpenter of Waikato police said a 15-year-old boy had been referred to Youth Aid as a result.

He also said Mr Griffin had been buoyed by the support he had received from colleagues and the public, with 450 messages of encouragement on one police station's Facebook page.

"Such public backing is not just reassuring for the officer directly involved but for Waikato police in general ...''.

Officers continued their inquries in Kawhia yesterday and were back there today.

Mr Carpenter said they had received information and images from locals and people from Taranaki, Feilding and Whangamata who were visiting at the time of the attack.

"The images and information provided are assisting us greatly in building an accurate picture of what happened before, during and after the event as we work to build up a case that will have its eventual conclusion in court,'' Mr Carpenter said.

Mr Griffin, who is the sole charge officer in the coastal town, is recuperating with family after the incident at Kawhia wharf while trying to arrest a 19-year-old man on January 11.

Three people have appeared in Hamilton District Court on charges stemming from the attack.