Officer assaulted in South Hedland

Three people have been arrested and charged in relation to the assault of a Port Hedland police officer on Monday night.

Police responded to an incident at around 8:10pm which involved a group of people fighting at Centenary Park outside South Hedland Square Shopping Centre.

South Hedland acting Senior Sergeant Paul Thomas said the group displayed a “pack mentality” when officers arrested someone in the group, and congregated around the officer.

The male officer was allegedly punched in the back of the head and taken to hospital where he received medical treatment.

Sen. Sgt Thomas said CCTV footage revealed a group of 40 to 50 people in the area at one stage.

“The issue we have got is people are traversing through the community for various reasons who are not usually there,” he said.

Those arrested are due to appear in court next month.