A Wanaka policeman has been assaulted near the Makarora Country Cafe, on State Highway 6 north of Wanaka.
The officer requested urgent assistance after allegedly being gouged in the eye and kicked in the head by a male about 3.10pm.
Two police units from Wanaka, a fire crew from Makarora and an ambulance crew are responding.
Senior Sergeant Steve Aitken, of Dunedin, said the police officer had apprehended the alleged offender in relation to a call about a drunk driver heading towards Wanaka from the Haast area.
The officer, who was working alone at the time, detained the male driver and was transporting him towards Wanaka for processing at the police station when he was allegedly assaulted by the man.
Snr Sgt Aitken said the alleged offender was still detained by the officer and back-up was not far away.
The police officer suffered minor injuries to his head, eye and ribs, and received medical treatment at the local medical centre.
