Police officer attacked, car stolen

A 60-year-old New Plymouth police officer was taken to hospital after two men assaulted him and stole his patrol car.

The highway sergeant had been pursuing a Toyota Corona in Albert Rd, New Plymouth at 8.20pm yesterday, which had failed to stop. The vehicle crashed, and the driver and one passenger fled the scene but returned shortly afterwards and assaulted the officer before stealing his car.

The patrol vehicle was spiked a short distance away and its occupants arrested. The 25-year-old male driver from Waikanae will appear in New Plymouth District Court on assault charges. The sergeant was treated at New Plymouth Hospital for concussion and bruising.