Man charged with attempted murder after he allegedly held a cop’s head under water

A police officer’s head was allegedly held under water in a northern NSW creek until a good Samaritan stepped in to help.

A heroic member of the public ran to the policeman’s aid and managed to free him.

A man has been charged with attempted murder after he allegedly held a police officer’s head under water in a creek.

The shocking incident allegedly happened in Murwillumbah, in NSW’s ’s far north, on Monday after police patrolling the area stopped to speak to a woman who appeared to be suffering injuries.

Police said the woman was walking along Wentworth St at about 4.45pm with a man, when they noticed her.

“After stopping to check on the woman’s welfare, the officer conducted checks on the man, which revealed he had an outstanding warrant,” NSW Police said in a statement.

Police allege that when a sergeant went to arrest the man, he allegedly attempted to flee, and ran towards a nearby creek where a struggle ensued.

Police will allege the man forcibly held the officer’s head under water.

“Police will allege in court that during the struggle, the man forcibly held the officer’s head under water.”

A heroic member of the public ran to the policeman’s aid and managed to free him.

The sergeant was taken to Murwillumbah Hospital for treatment to water on the lungs. He has since been released from hospital to recover at home.

A 33-year-old Queensland man was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station, where he was charged with attempted murder.

He has been refused bail to appear at Tweed Heads Local Court on Tuesday.

Police said they will make recommendations to formally acknowledge the bravery of the bystander who went to the sergeant’s aid.