A man has been arrested after a police officer was attacked in east Auckland.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Police said a driver took off after the officer attempted to stop a car on Ormiston Road in Flat Bush just after midday yesterday and then reversed into the officer's car when they were stopped by traffic.
Both got out of their vehicles and the offender immediately began punching the officer in the head.
Police said members of the public stepped in, holding the attacker and calling 111, until other officers arrived.
The officer had a broken finger and bruises but no serious head injury.
A 25-year-old man has today been charged with assault with intent to injure, operate a motor vehicle recklessly and failing to stop when required, and is due to appear in Manukau District Court tomorrow.
Police said it was "completely unacceptable" that any person would assault a police officer, and thanked the members of the public who intervened.