A POLICEMAN was injured when he was hit by a flare fired at him during an operation in Hangberg, Hout Bay, Western Cape police said

"The operation was conducted after police received information about illegal abalone poaching. We initiated a search operation," Warrant Officer November Philander said.

"The flare seriously injured the left hand of one of the officers and he was taken to hospital."

One person was arrested for public violence and is expected to appear in the Simon's Town Magistrate's Court soon. A separate case of attempted murder had been opened.