Man thrown off mobility scooter
A martial arts group has rushed to the aid of a man in a mobility scooter who was allegedly attacked in the street.
Police responded to reports of rocks being thrown at the man.
He was then tipped out of the scooter.
A man has been arrested for assault in connection to the incident, a police spokeswoman said.
The attack happened about 6pm on Church St in Palmerston North, near the intersection with Albert St, where Fight Shop members were holding an evening boxing session.
‘‘A lady ran in and said, ‘can I get some help’,’’ Fight Shop owner operator Stewart Chambers said.
He ran out of the gym, along with three other people from the class, and found ‘‘an old guy tipped over in his motor scooter, dazed’’.
His hand was bleeding and he had grazes to his head, Chambers said.
The boxers were told by bystanders about what had happened. ‘‘We were concerned. ‘‘We brought the first aid kit out and started doing first aid and helped him up.
‘‘The police were here pretty quick.’’
Although the boxers did not see the attack, Chambers said they were upset someone so defenceless had been targeted.
‘‘It’s a pretty stink thing to do. What kind of person would do that kind of thing to anyone in a mobility scooter?’’
The victim suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Palmerston North Hospital by St John ambulance staff.
Police officers spoke with two people about the attack and were not looking for anyone else, the spokeswoman said, however, the investigation was ongoing.