A police officer's stab-resistant vest probably saved him from serious injury when he and a police dog were attacked by a knife-wielding man early today.
The incident happened in the Christchurch suburb of Hoon Hay about 4.15am.
Police said they were called to a home invasion by a man armed with a knife.
Once inside the house the two responding officers were allegedly attacked by the the intruder.
One officer suffered minor cuts to his leg and chest and police dog Koal received cuts to its head. But the dog got his own back by biting the offender.
"I have no doubt we'd be looking at potentially more serious injuries if he (the officer attacked) had not been wearing the vest," said Senior Sergeant Rob Patterson.
He added occupants of the house were not injured but were badly shaken.
Dog Section Sergeant Alistair Simms said Koal was likely to be off work for the rest of the week.
"As he and his handler have leave planned from then as well, they both should get a good rest," Mr Simms said.
"Both dog and handler need to take it easy."
Koal's handler was not injured in the incident.
A 24-year-old unemployed man was arrested and taken to Christchurch Hospital for treatment, including surgery for a dog bite.
