Hamilton homeowner thanks neighbours after alleged burglar's fiery arrest

Neighbours of a Hamilton property helped relay information to police after spotting an alleged burglar at the house yesterday. Photo/File

A Hamilton man is praising his eagle-eyed neighbours who spied a stranger casing his backyard, which resulted in an officer nursing facial injuries after a fiery arrest.

The Oakley Ave resident - who doesn't want to be named - said a neighbour first spotted a stranger in her backyard about lunchtime yesterday.

She immediately got on the phone to police and then watched on as he climbed over the fence and into the man's property.

"She was nervous. She was worried there was some guy on her section."

Other neighbours became aware of what was going on and also alerted police who managed to get to the scene within minutes of the phone call being made.

The officers split up and found the man allegedly about to jimmy open a back door upstairs.

A fight ensued and an officer was punched in the face several times. Back-up was called and more police units arrived.

"A female officer got thrown through the air ... she landed on the ground and joined in the fray again so it didn't put her off."

Four different neighbours watched the drama unfold, he said.

"They all reckon it took between five and seven minutes. It was quite a big stoush."

Waikato police Senior Sergeant Robbie Hermann said the alleged burglar was effectively cornered by attending officers.

Pepper spray and a taser were used to help restrain the man, he said.

One officer suffered a facial injury and was taken to Waikato Hospital's A&E department for treatment before being released. He was back at work today.

A 40-year-old Hamilton man is facing several charges - aggravated wounding, burglary, resisting police and two charges of assaulting police.

The man was full of praise for his neighbours and the speed at which officers arrived.

"[We've] got very good neighbours ... we're neighbourhood watch, we all support each other, so there it is in action, it's good.

"The police did a magnificent job, they were awesome and got there quickly and efficiently. They were brilliant."

Hermann thanked the neighbours for their actions and said a quick response like that could mean the difference between an arrest and someone getting away.

"Sometimes we're close by and the speed in which someone can ring can make all the difference ... getting that early call, especially when [offender] is there is fantastic."