Auckland, Feb 20 NZPA - A Whangarei policeman is receiving specialist treatment in an Auckland hospital after he was bitten during an attack by an alleged drunk driver.

The officer received serious facial injuries after he and a colleague had stopped a driver they believed had been drinking in Kamo on the northern outskirts of Whangarei about 11.15pm yesterday.

Detective Inspector Karyn Malthus said the driver became aggressive and allegedly attacked the constable who received a serious facial injury after being bitten.

The policeman was admitted to Whangarei Hospital and transferred to Auckland hospital for specialist treatment. His family was with him.

A 29-year-old Whangarei man has been charged with drunk driving, threatening to kill, resisting arrest and wounding and was to appear in the Whangarei District Court today.

NZPA AKL is kk