An off-duty police officer is Hawke's Bay hospital after being attacked while trying to break up a fight at a party.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave le Lange says the officer was driving along Totara Street in Hastings on Saturday night when he saw a fight on the side of the road.
Mr de Lange said the officer, 51, stopped to break up what appears to have been a family fight and suffered suffered serious head and facial injuries.
A 17-year-old youth has appeared in court charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Mr de Lange says there may be further arrests once police have completed their investigation.
