26 year old man severely beaten in unprovoked attack in Wellington

A 26 year old man was severely beaten in a vicious, unprovoked attack in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Detective Sergeant Shane Dye of the Wellington CIB says the victim was found in a dazed state bleeding heavily from the head, along Hutt Road, near the bottom of Ngauranga Gorge, having been attacked at the other end of Hutt Road near Aotea Quay on-ramp (where Aotea Quay meets Hutt Road) about 3:40am yesterday morning.

"The victim was walking home earlier along Hutt Road, where he met three people and had a short conversation with them, before continuing on. Two of these men then approached him from behind, and hit him repeatedly over the head with a bottle.

Detective Sergeant Dye says the victim fell to the ground under the weight of the blows and handed over his wallet and cell phone to the two offenders, who then ran off.

"A member of the public then found the victim about 3:40am. He was taken to Wellington Hospital and received several stitches in his head, due to the injuries he sustained. He was discharged from hospital last night."

The offenders are described as being tidily presented and clean shaven, of either Maori or Polynesian descent, aged between 20 and 24 years. They were both approximately five foot 11 in height of slim build. A female who was with the pair is described as about five foot 6 in height of solid build.

"We want to hear from anyone who may have seen the group on Hutt Road during the early hours of yesterday morning (Saturday 9 July 2011) or anyone who can assist Police with the identity of this group."

Anyone with any information should phone Wellington Police on (04) 381 2000 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.