Xmas night drunks attack police staff

Papakura police had to call in reinforcements from neighbouring police districts on Christmas Day after officers dealing with a drunk were attacked by a large crowd of people.

Inspector Kerry Watson said there were several arrests for behaviour offences and police were still working to restore order around 9pm.

He said there were actually two groups of people to deal with, one around the corner from the other.

Police were called to Dominion Rd in Papakura shortly before 8pm to deal with a drunk male assaulting people.

Officers were dealing with the man when they were confronted by a large group of drunk people. Members of the public called the communications centre to provide information about the attack and reinforcements were called in from the Counties Manukau area and other neighbouring police districts.

- NZPA