Solomon Islands Police Force detectives have charged a man with attempted murder after he attacked a RAMSI police officer with a bush knife.

Police will allege the 39-year-old man was responsible for seriously wounding the New Zealand police officer at Avuavu on Guadalcanal's Weathercoast on 2 September 2008.

On Saturday 8 November 2008, the man surrendered to police based at Avuavu after an extensive operation to apprehend the offenders responsible for the attack.

The man was transported to Honiara on Saturday where detectives from the Solomon Islands Serious Crime Squad interviewed and formally charged the 39-year-old.

Acting Commissioner of Police, Peter Marshall, said the two-month operation to apprehend those responsible has been successful.

"This arrest is the result of some very good work by a number of dedicated police officers. For eight weeks we have been actively pursuing the offenders that committed the cowardly attack on the New Zealand police officer.

"I am pleased to say the man we believe responsible for inflicting the wound with the bush knife is now in police custody," he said.

Three other suspects involved in the attack surrendered to police on 20 September 2008.

The operation to apprehend the remaining offenders will continue.

"The support from RAMSI's Participating Police Force and RAMSI military during this operation has assisted the Solomon Islands Police Force locate and arrest the offenders responsible.

"I would like thank RAMSI, the community leaders and people living on the Weathercoast that have provided assistance to the Solomon Islands Police Force during the operation.

"There are still a number of people wanted in connection to the attack and I ask the community to continue to work with police so the other offenders can be brought before the courts," Acting Commissioner Marshall said.

The 39-year-old man is expected to face the Honiara Magistrates Court on Monday 10 November 2008.

Source: Press Release