Wide hunt for attackers

Press, 21 August 1979, Page 6

Wide hunt for attackers

PA Tauranga A big investigation was continuing iff the Tauranga area yesterday after an attack on Sunday evening which left one policeman in hospital with severe head injuries and another recuperating at home from less serious injuries. The two constables were checking a report near Oropi when they were attacked by four men wielding chains. The police vehicle was also attacked, as well as an armoured security van which .returned to the scene after the security men saw the police being attacked. Constable Graeme Hughes, aged 30, married

with a young family, suffered a fractured skull. He underwent surgery at Tauranga Hospital yesterday morning. Constable Hughes, who joined the police a year ago, was in the hospital’s intensive care unit where he was reported to be in a satisfactory condition and improving. Constable Bill Voyce, aged 51, married, suffered head injuries which required stitching. He was sent home after hospital treatment. The police searched through the ni«ht for the four men and a white 1967 Toyota car. Police dogs were used and road blocks have been maintained on all roads out of Tauranga.