Serious assault in Westport

At approximately 3.30 am Sunday 20th April 2008 a male Irish tourist, aged 31, was attacked in Westport's main street.

He had been at a night club and was walking to his accommodation with some locals he had met at the club.

He was approached, and spoken to, by a male from a group who had been in the area.

He was suddenly and unexpectedly punched in the face, after which he fell to the ground where he was kicked in the head allegedly by the same attacker.

During the attack the newly made acquaintances came to his assistance and they too received some minor injuries.

In the resulting melee one of the attackers was pushed through a shop window.

The visitor received lacerations to his face and head.

He was treated at the Buller Hospital and discharged.

Today Westport Police arrested a 20 year old local male, a timber worker, and has charged him for 'Injuring with Intent to Injure'.

He is due to appear in the Westport District Court this afternoon where Police will be opposing bail.

Further charges are likely to be laid against this person.

The investigation continues and others are likely to be arrested on related charges arising from the incident

This attack was without provocation and appears to have occurred only because the victim spoke with an accent.