A dog squad officer has sustained serious facial injuries in Coffs Harbour overnight during a routine patrol.
Police say Senior Constable Mark Baxter responded to reports a man was allegedly stealing copper wire from a power pole on the corner of the Pacific Highway and Park Avenue.
The officer then followed the unarmed man into a nearby laneway where he was attacked.
“Very serious attack, it could be considered as a one punch attack, a coward punch, the police officer was unprepared for what he was struck with.” Act Supt Brendan Gorman.
The officer required a number of stitches and has been released from hospital.
A 36-year-old man appeared in Coffs Local Court today and was refused bail.
