A 36-year-old Senior Police Constable sustained head injuries after being hit on the head with a machete by a man while responding to a call for assistance during a domestic dispute in Hofoa.

The attack took place at around 8:00pm on August 23, when the officer was there to remove a man who was trying get into a house.

Acting Police Commissioner Pelenatita Vaisuai said today a resident from the home called police for help concerning this suspect, who had climbed over their fence to get into their house.

When police arrived he was inside one of the houses within the premises and when the police officer opened the door, he hit him on the right side of the head with the machete, she said.

A separate police unit responded and arrested him while the injured police officer was rushed to Vaiola Hospital.

“We have recognized that with the increased use of alcohol and drugs, the risk to the safety of our police officers has also increased. A review of our staff safety has been completed with a view for appropriate training and equipment to ensure better protection of our officers.”

Police have not released the name of the injured police officer at this stage, but said he is in a stable condition at the hospital.

The suspect remains in police custody.