Police officer assaulted during arrest, two charged in Otford

Two men have been charged after a police officer was injured during an arrest south of Sydney yesterday, NSW Police say.

Just before 6.30pm (Friday 24 August 2018), police from Wollongong Police District stopped a vehicle on Lady Wakehurst Road at Otford.

Checks revealed the driver, a 29-year-old man, was disqualified from driving and had allegedly breached bail conditions.

During the attempted arrest of the man it’s alleged he resisted officers before assaulting a male senior constable.

It’s further alleged the passenger, a 31-year-old man, repeatedly attempted to hinder police.

Both were subdued and arrested before being taken to Wollongong Police Station.

The 29-year-old man, from South Hurstville, was charged with assault police officer causing actual bodily harm; resist arrest; drive whilst licence cancelled; and breach of bail.

He was refused bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court today (Saturday 25 August 2018).

The older man was issued a court attendance notice for the offence of hinder police and will appear at Wollongong Local Court on 18 September 2018.

The officer was taken to Wollongong Hospital suffering injuries to his face and hand.

Wollongong Police District Commander, Superintendent Chris Craner, said the incident shows the dangers police face daily.

"Our local police put themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis in an effort to prevent, disrupt and respond to crime in the Illawarra region," Supt Craner said.

"Incidents like this highlight the very real risks they face."

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