Two Hawke's Bay police officers suffered facial injuries after being assaulted during a scuffle outside a Napier bar on Thursday night.
Police were called to the Sideline Bar in Taradale Rd, Onekawa, after reports that three people had been removed from the bar but were harassing bouncers and trying to get back in.
Inspector Andy Sloan said that when police arrived at about 11.45pm, they found two females and a male "highly intoxicated" and arguing. The two police officers intervened after one of the females allegedly hit the other female on the side of the head.
A scuffle ensued, which resulted in the male police officer receiving a cut lip and the female police officer receiving injuries to her left eye.
A 28-year-old male and a 29-year-old female, both of Napier, are facing charges of assaulting police, resisting arrest and obstructing police. They are due to appear in the Napier District Court on May 14.
Mr Sloan said assaults on police officers were unacceptable, but unfortunately were not uncommon.
"Police sometimes find themselves in situations where they are attacked or set upon and alcohol is usually the major driver behind that. Often assaults occur near bars and clubs where there is a large number of drunk people," Mr Sloan said.
"Licensed premises have a responsibility to ensure their patrons are drinking sensibly and not causing trouble that police inevitably end up dealing with."
"Alcohol is a crime driver and we will be working with this bar to put prevention measures in place. Licensed premises have responsibilities to manage the intoxication levels of their patrons and provide a safe environment both inside and outside their premises. Police will taking the necessary steps to ensure this does not happen again."
On April 4 two Napier police officers were allegedly bitten by a gang member during a violent arrest in a Pirimai street. The man is expected to face assault charges relating to the incident.