Violent city attack — witnesses sought
Police investigating the serious assault of a young man in Hamilton are hopeful new information on the case will prompt people to come forward.
The victim and his friend were taking photographs on the roundabout of MacDonald and Saxbys roads, about 7pm on Friday, June 11 when the incident happened.
The pair were waiting to be picked up by family members when a car pulled up beside them.
Four youths, not known to the pair, got out of the vehicle, confronted them, and then chased them down Saxbys Road towards Ohaupo Road.
As the victim turned around to see what was happening behind him, he was struck in the head with a weapon of some kind.
The attacker hit a branch before striking the victim, reducing the impact of the blow but still causing considerable harm.
The young man received a 9cm gash to the left side of his head, requiring 23 staples, as well as receiving treatment for a fractured skull.
‘‘He is lucky to be alive, a blow like this could have been fatal,’’ Detective Kerry Tinworth said.
His friend was uninjured and ran with him around the corner onto Morrison St away from the group, where they were helped by a member of the public.
The attackers gave up the chase and headed back towards their car on the corner of MacDonald and Saxbys roads.
‘‘This was an extremely traumatising incident for the victim and the event has had a serious effect on his family, who are worried it could happen to someone else,’’ Tinworth said.
Police need the public’s help to identify the main offender. The suspect is described as being of a skinny build, approximately 182cm tall, has light brown skin, and very short hair.
He was wearing a white T-shirt and green camo shorts.
‘‘Police have learnt there was another man in the area who was chased in a similar manner, minutes before this attack. We are also appealing for him to come forward as we believe he will have information that can assist the investigation.’’
The suspects left their vehicle parked by the roundabout while the attack occurred. Anyone with information please call 0800 107 4636.