Serious assault in Canterbury District, 3:00am

Detective Senior Sergeant David HARVEY says that the Papanui CIB is investigating an incident on the Shirley Road outside Shirley Primary School where a 19 year old man was seriously assaulted at 11.30 on Saturday evening the 13 June 2009.

Detective Senior Sergeant HARVEY says that the victim is in a serious but stable condition at Christchurch Hospital's Intensive Care Unit.

HARVEY says that the victim was involved in an altercation with two youths, on the footpath outside the school. There were two other youths also in the vicinity but not involved in the altercation. The four youths were seen walking in an easterly direction towards Emmett Street, and Marshlands Road after the incident.

Detective Senior Sergeant HARVEY says that a male and female came to the assistance of the victim moments after the incident. He says 'we would like to speak to these persons and thank them for the assistance they have given to the victim.'

Detective Senior Sergeant HARVEY asks that any witnesses who may have seen the incident or who have been in Shirley Road at the time to please contact the Christchurch Police.