A senior Police officer was injured while responding to a report of a house break-in in Hofoa on Tongatapu.
The 36-year old officer sustained head injuries when the suspect allegedly hit him on the head with a machete.
Police had received a report last Thursday night that a man jumped over a fence at a house and was trying to break into the building.
The officer was hit while trying to arrest the suspect.
He was rushed to Vaiola Hospital where he is reported to be in a stable condition.
Other officers arrested the suspect and he remains in custody to appear in court.
Acting Police Commissioner Vaisuai said, “We have recognised that with the increased use of alcohol and drugs, the risk to the safety of our police officers has also increased. A review of our staff safety has been completed with a view for appropriate training and equipment to ensure better protection for our officers.”
A police investigation is underway into the report.