Invercargill Police Determined To Catch Offenders

Invercargill Police have released a picture of a baseball cap, thought to have been worn by one of the offenders in a  serious assault that occurred in Russell Square, Invercargill, between 2.00 and 2.30am on Sunday morning (28 October 2012).

A blue and black Orlando Magic basketball cap (pictures attached) was recovered at the scene and is believed to have been worn by one of the assailants.

Police believe that the victim was assaulted by six or seven male Maori or Pacific Island teenagers in the Square.

Detective Scott MacKenzie of the Invercargill CIB says inquiries suggest that the offenders laid in wait for the 42-year-old victim who had just left the South City Night 'N Day shop.  The offenders attacked the victim without warning, knocking him to the ground.  He was repeatedly kicked and punched by members of the group and suffered serious facial injuries, including a broken nose and fractured eye socket.

Two members of the public heard the assault and went to the victim's assistance.  One of these men challenged the group and was also attacked and taken to the ground.  The man was hit with a bottle.

It is possible that one of the assailants sustained injuries to his mouth or teeth.

After the incident, the group dispersed and ran off in a westerly direction across a grass reserve towards Conon Street.

Detective MacKenzie would like to speak with anyone who has any information about the assault or who knows who the baseball cap might belong to.

Information can be passed directly to Invercargill Police on 03 2110400 or provided anonymously through the 0800 Crimestoppers phone line.

"This was a cowardly unprovoked attack on a defenceless person and we are determined to catch the offenders."