A police officer has been left with a fractured jaw after being attacked in broad daylight in Nelson.
The officer and a colleague saw a man assaulting a woman near the corner of Waimea Road and Franklyn Street about 2.45pm on Tuesday.
Police say when the officer intervened, the man attacked him and attempted to attack the second officer.
The first officer sustained three fractures to his jaw, required 40 stitches to his face and will need dental reconstruction. He is expected to be off work for two weeks.
Nelson Bays Area Commander Inspector Steve Greally says it was a shocking attack and he is sure the Nelson community is disgusted at what happened.
"New Zealand police officers have a very dangerous job to do. These sort of things can happen to any of our staff at any time but as far as Nelson goes it is actually one out of the bag, absolutely."
A 23-year-old Maori appeared in Nelston District Court on Wednesday charged with aggravated wounding and of assaulting his partner. He has been remanded in custody to reappear on Friday.
