A 19-year-old man will face court next month accused of savagely assaulting a police officer at Shoal Bay on Friday night.
Officers were patrolling Shoal Bay Road when they noticed a man talking to a woman.
But when the 54-year-old police sergeant approached to speak to the man about his behaviour, it's alleged he became aggressive and without provocation, punched the officer in the head.
Both fell to the ground in a violent struggle.
Another officer came to assist but it's believed an unknown male became involved and allegedly kicked the sergeant in the head while he was on the ground and then fled the area.
Assisted by nearby security officers, the 19-year-old man was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.
The sergeant was treated for a concussion and an arm injury in the Mater Hospital and is now on sick leave - the other officer wasn't injured.
The 19-year-old was granted conditional bail and will face court 19 June.
