Whangārei police have been criticised after footage of a "brutal" arrest in the suburb of Otangarei was shared to Facebook on Sunday.
The video, which has been viewed more than 22,000 times in less than a day, shows a man being arrested by officers with the help of a police dog. Screams can be heard as the barking dog appears to attack the alleged offender.
The officer handling the canine appears to struggle to pull the dog away as the man flails on the ground.
The footage has been heavily condemned on Facebook, with a number of locals expressing outrage at the apparent use of excessive force.
Comments on the video have labelled the arrest as "brutal" and "disturbing".
"We have to take a look at how our community police are treating our people, unacceptable if you ask me," the man, who shared the footage to Facebook, captioned the video.
"This is happening in our backyard."
He also claimed an officer involved in the arrest "booted" the alleged offender "in the head".
A police spokesperson confirmed to Newshub that two men were arrested after a 31-year-old driver failed to stop for police at 3:15am on Sunday, resulting in a short pursuit. A police dog and handler were deployed and the men were arrested on William Jones Drive in Otangarei.
The 31-year-old has been charged in relation to a number of offences including failing to stop, driving while disqualified, refusing to give a blood sample for a medical officer and possession of an offensive weapon.
His passenger, a 28-year-old, has been arrested on methamphetamine charges and possessing an offensive weapon.
The spokesperson confirmed to Newshub that the 31-year-old received medical treatment in relation to bite wounds.
Both men will appear in Whangārei District Court later this week.
