Locals help cop at wild party

Members of the public went to the aid of a lone police officer when he was pelted with bottles by people at an out of control party in central Hawke's Bay early today.

Sergeant Andy Dow of central police communications said there were about 40 people at the Dannevirke party when the policeman arrived about 3.30am.

The crowd threw bottles, damaging the officer's patrol car and local bystanders went to his assistance until reinforcements from Palmerston North arrived.

One person was arrested during the incident, Mr Dow said.

- NZPA