Two separate attacks on police officers in Raymond Terrace has drawn condemnation from the region's top cop and prompted the NSW Police Association to call on the community to show respect for "our women and men in blue".
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Senior Constables Kane Goodchild and John Drapper from the Port-Hunter Police District were each struck in the head during arrests they attended in Raymond Terrace in the second week of the April school holiday.
Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell, commander of the northern police region, said it was "deeply concerning" that two police officers had been injured while on duty in the same town within 48 hours.
"Violence against any emergency service personnel is not acceptable and will not be tolerated," he said.
Senior constable Goodchild required five stitches to a cut he received above his right eye during an arrest near Finnan Park on April 24 while Senior Constable Drapper was lucky to escape being cut when he was hit in the head with a glass bottle during an arrest at a licenced premises on Anzac Day.
NSW Police Association president Tony King said the incidents were yet another reminder that police put their lives on the line for the public.
"Policing is a dangerous job. We know the risks when we sign up for a career in the force but no one should be assaulted simply for doing their job," he said.
"All police want to do is keep the community safe. Police deserve respect for the work we do - putting our lives on the line to keep our streets safe."
A Waratah man, aged 24, was arrested following the Finnan Park incident. Police said officers engaged the man in a pursuit for a short distance along Richardson Road at Campvale about 5pm on April 24 but the chase was stopped for safety reasons.
About 5.30pm the man was seen near the Finnan Park. Police said during the arrest there was struggle which saw Senior Constable
Goodchild allegedly struck in the head by a metal torch, knocking him briefly unconscious.
OC spray was used on the man who was taken into custody and charged with six offences including police pursuit - not stop - drive recklessly and wound police officer executing duty reckless as to actual bodily harm.
He was refused bail and appeared in Newcastle Local Court on April 25. He is due to appear in court again on May 16.
Senior Constable Drapper, the Port's licencing officer, was injured while responding to reports of a brawl at a William Street hotel about 6.45pm on April 25.
Officers closed the venue and moved patrons on. A short time later three men allegedly returned to the hotel.
Officers told them to move on. When they allegedly refused and became aggressive.
The senior constable was allegedly struck to the head with a glass bottle and punched several times by a 19-year-old Raymond Terrace man.
Two others, aged 22 and 24, both from Raymond Terrace, attempted to free the 19-year-old from police. Officers used OC spray and arrested all three men.
The trio were taken to Raymond Terrace police station and charged with fail to quit licensed premises, affray, hinder police in execution of duty and resist arrest.
The 19-year-old man was also charged with assault police and use weapon to avoid apprehension.
The trio received conditional bail and will appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court on May 6.
The Terrace Anzac Day assault was one of the major incidents recorded in the Port during Operation Go Slow, the state's Anzac long-weekend road safety operation.
Across five days officers conducted more than 5000 random breath tests. Of those breath tests, 14 people were charged for drink driving.
Police also issued 49 speeding fines, 123 infringement tickets for other offences and four fines for restraint offences.
Detective Chief Inspector George Radmore, the crime manager for the Port-Hunter Police District, said it was disappointing to see the high number of infringements for drink driving and speeding.
"We're quite disappointed people still continue to drink drive and speed despite the high visibility of police across the weekend, the state's road toll and all the public warnings," he said.
"Despite all the warnings people are still so irresponsible to drive after consuming alcohol."