A POLICE officer was hospitalised after being glassed in a violent attack in Western Sydney this morning.

NSW Police said an investigation is currently underway after the officer was reportedly injured while trying to break up a fight in Emerton.

Police have released shocking images of the officer’s injuries which left him with a bleeding wound at the side of his head.

The officer was attacked when police responded to a fight on Luxford Rd.

A witness claimed there were up to 16 men involved in the fight when police first arrived however this has not been confirmed.

One of the officers, an Acting Inspector, attempted to intervene when he saw two men fighting. He was approached from behind by a third man and hit in the head with a glass bottle.

According to another witness, the Acting Inspector fell to the ground from the force of being hit so hard.

A representative from NSW police said the officer lost consciousness, he was hit that hard.

“We are going and doing our jobs just like everyone else. We are not punching bags for thugs in the area,” he added.

The officer was taken to Nepean Hospital where his injuries required eight stitches.

The men fled the scene and a large search of the area was conducted.

Officers were assisted by the Public Order Riot Squad, PolAir and the Dog Unit, but were unable to immediately find the men.

The officer was discharged from hospital earlier today.

Officers from the Mount Druitt Local Area Command arrested a 26-year-old man a short time later. He was located near the crime scene, shirtless and allegedly covered in blood.

Investigators have seized various items for forensic examination.

The man has been released pending further inquiries.

Two other men are described as being caucasian in appearance with thin builds, shaved heads and are heavily tattooed.