Hamilton police Sergeant Mark Phillips said a fight broke out between two women outside a Thompson Street pizza shop about 3am on Sunday.

“Two girls who were known to each other started fighting. One of the girls has taken the other from behind and pulled her to the ground by her hair,” he said. 

“Security intervened and nearby police came to arrest the female.” 

Sergeant Phillips said a 25-year-old Hamilton man intervened while police officers were arresting the woman. 

“The man ended up taking a swing at a police officer – he punched him in the face and managed to knock the girl out too,” he said. 

“The officer’s tooth was chipped and the girl was passed out on the ground.” 

Sergeant Phillips said the man was arrested and placed in the back of the police divisional van.

“He caused a ruckus in the van and was eventually conveyed to the police station where he was kept in the cells until he was sober enough to be interviewed,” he said. 

“He has been charged with some serious offences including assaulting an on-duty police, intentionally causing injury, hinder police and drunk and disorderly charges.” 

Sergeant Phillips said the behaviour was completely unacceptable. 

“Police have intervened to stop an assault from occurring and the man has ended up assaulting an on-duty officer,” he said. 

“He will be facing a mandatory prison sentence.”

The man was bailed to appear in Hamilton Magistrates Court on December 5 with strict conditions, including a curfew and a ban from Hamilton licensed premises.

Hamilton police are still investigating the activities of the woman who was allegedly involved in the initial assault.

Police have excellent security camera footage of the brawl which involved about 10 people.