Man charged with police officer assault

A 23-year-old man has been charged following the assault of an Auckland police officer early yesterday.

The officer was knocked unconscious while responding to a call about a large group of people fighting in Glen Innes' Apirana Ave area just after midnight.

He suffered a head injury in the assault and was hospitalised. He was discharged yesterday and was expected to make a full recovery.

Police today confirmed a 23-year-old man had been charged with aggravated wounding, and is due to appear at Auckland District Court tomorrow.

Officers investigating the incident established a number of small groups were involved in various fights before the attack on the police officer.

Detective Senior Sergeant John Sutton said two other men were interviewed and released, and received formal warnings for fighting.

The officer used his police radio to call for help. Two members of the public also came to his aid.

"We're grateful that he was assisted by two members of the public and that police were able to respond quickly to this call for help,'' Mr Sutton said.

"The welfare of our staff is important to us and we are working to support him, his colleague and all staff in our district. Police should not be subject to any kind of physical violence while in the role of protecting the community.''