Policeman attacked with slide hammer

A Rotorua police officer needed stitches to a head wound after being hit with a slide hammer early today.

The attack came when he and another officer on routine patrol near the city centre at 1.25 am stopped to speak to a man acting suspiciously.

As he turned to flee, the offender allegedly struck out with a home-made tool police say was designed for breaking into cars and popping locks on doors.

A man was arrested and charged with injuring with intent and possessing an instrument for conversion.

The injured policeman was this afternoon convalescing at home.