A Rotorua man's been charged after a Police officer got facial injuries trying to stop a fleeing driver

Police stopped a vehicle in Hamilton on Saturday night, but an officer had to jump into the car as its driver accelerated away, to avoid being hit or pinned.

The officer was allegedly assaulted inside - as he used his taser and pepper spray to stop the driver.

The car crashed and the alleged driver was taken into custody after being found hiding in a tree.

An 18-year-old man is due in court on five charges, while the officer is recovering at home.