Police officer allegedly punched unconscious in Manly

A man has been charged after allegedly punching a police officer in the face and knocking him unconscious as he conducted licensing checks in Manly overnight.

A police officer was lucky to avoid serious injuries after his partner prevented his head hitting the pavement after he was allegedly punched unconscious at Manly.

The officer, a senior constable, was conducting licensing checks on venues at 10.30pm on North Steyne near The Corso and was walking on the pavement outside the venues when the incident occurred.

A 45-year-old man allegedly began following the officer and his partner and began yelling at them about being police.

When the officer turned around, the 45-year-old man allegedly punched him in the face, knocking him out.

The officer fell to the ground but was caught by his partner before he hit the pavement.

The officer was taken to Northern Beaches Hospital for treatment and was released on Saturday morning.

The officers were conducting licensing checks on The Corso at Manly during the time of the alleged attack.

He declined an offer to be interviewed and was described as being “OK but sore and sorry” by a person familiar with his situation.

The 45-year-old allegedly tried to push the other officer before running away.

Officers arrested the 45-year-old nearby and he was charged with assaulting a police officer in execution of duty and causing actual bodily harm, and assaulting a police officer in execution of duty.

The man was not inside one of the beachfront venues at the time of the alleged assault and it will be investigated if mental health issues played a factor.

He is due to face Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday.