Policeman beaten by prisoner in station cellblock

A Rotorua policeman was beaten in the city's police station cellblock by one of his prisoners last night.

The attack happened about 9pm, after the officer responded to the remand prisoner's request for help, police say.

Inspector Bruce Horne, the Rotorua area commander, said the officer was the victim of a surprise attack with a blunt weapon that the prisoner had somehow managed to obtain.

The policeman was hit several times in the head and body, and taken to hospital with lacerations to his head. He was discharged earlier today.

An 18-year-old man was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

- NZPA