Police officers assaulted outside Napier bar

Photo / File

Two Hawke's Bay police officers were assaulted during a scuffle outside a Napier bar last night.

Police were called to the Sideline Bar in Taradale Rd, Onekawa last night 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, they found two females and a male "highly intoxicated" and arguing. The two police officers intervened after one of the females 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 man and a 29-year-old woman, 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.

"Licensed premises have a responsibility to ensure their patrons are drinking sensibly and not causing trouble that police inevitably end up dealing with. The other issue is the vulnerability of drunk patrons who can easily become victims of assault, sexual assault, robbery or any other crime," Mr Sloan said.