THIEVES ATTACK CONSTABLE.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18926, 15 February 1927, Page 3

THIEVES ATTACK CONSTABLE.

BURGLARS SURPRISED. SENSATIONAL ESCAPE. [THE PRESS Special Service.] AUCKLAND. February 14. A sensational incident occurred in Karangahapc Itoad at an early hour yesterday morning when Constable Bunting was attacked with heavy pieces of wood by two men, whom lie found attempting to break into the shop of Lees Brothers, drapers. Constable Bunting was making the last round of his heat, prior to coming oft - duty at 5 a.m., and when in Day street, until recently known as Newton place, at 4Ao a.m., he heard a sound resembling the chopping of wood, he "cut down a small right-of-wav past the rear of the Newton branch 'of the National Bank of New Zealand. On turning the corner to approach the rear door of Lees Brothers' premises he suddenly came face to face with two men in a narrow space between two brick walls. They were standing on a small platform, and were attempting to break open the door, by hammer' ing downward on a heavy beam of wood which they had wedged in a slanting position against the door. One of the men advanced toward? the constable, waving a 4in by 2in l>iece of wood about Cft in length. The other man was armed with a piece of timber of similnr length, but about fin wide and lin thick. Standing on the platform they had an obvious advantage over the constable, who was armed only with his baton. The con.stable ordered the men back into tho recess, but they threatened him with their weapons. Tho constable exclnimcd, "You dare!" and held his baton in readiness. One man spoke to his companion an-.l both then suddenly leapt at tho constable, striking at "him with tho pieco.: of wood. The thicker piece struck him heavily on the left forearm, rendering the arm powerless for a few moments, and the wider piece caught him a glancing blow on the head and right shoulder and then snapped in two. Fortunately, the constable's head was protected by his helmet. The two men then escaped, firßt hurling the pieces of wood at the constable who dodged them. Constable. Bunting received medical attention, but his injuries proved not to be serious. His left forearm was badlv bruised and swollen, and he will not be able to resume duty for a few davs. An examination of the premises showed that before they were disturbed tho intruders had forced tho door leading into the workroom of Lees Brothers, which, however, contained only a sewing machine. Thev had also entered the premises of W. n. Flygcr and Company, tailors, situated next door, by climbing a ladder on to the roof of a lean-to, and opening a window.