Police officer hit by car in serious condition

The Auckland police officer hit by a fleeing car on Wednesday night is in a serious condition after undergoing extensive surgeries on Thursday. A 37-year-old former reality TV star is facing three charges relating to the incident, including a charge of grievous bodily harm. The officer, who has name suppression, was left in a critical condition after being struck by a fleeing car while setting out road spikes, police said. Yesterday, they said his condition had improved to serious but stable after surgery at Middlemore Hospital. ‘‘Our priority is to ensure the member and their family are supported, given the road to recovery now ahead of them,’’ a spokesperson said. A Police Association spokesperson reiterated its calls for remotecontrol spike strips. ‘‘Another seriously injured officer amplifies the need for urgency,’’ they said. Police said the vehicle didn’t stop, and after a chase was found a short time later on Grafton Rd. The alleged offender was located on Khyber Pass Rd just after 9pm. He was unable to appear in court on Thursday as he was being treated for severe addiction in hospital.