Attributable to Inspector Mike Bowman, Acting Area Commander, Southland:
Invercargill Police investigating two violent incidents in the city yesterday afternoon [January 3] are appealing to any members of the public who may be able to help to come forward.
Just before 3pm, a man was speaking to the occupants of a vehicle near the Invercargill skate park, at the corner of Tyne and Ness Streets.
A second vehicle arrived, and occupants of both vehicles assaulted the 30-year-old and chased him from the area.
They continued to assault him as he fled through properties, with a variety of weapons such as metal poles.
The man sought refuge in a property on Eye Street and Police were called.
He was taken to Southland Hospital where he was treated for a variety of injuries including cuts, abrasions, and a suspected broken collarbone. He has since been discharged.
While this was taking place, a man who happened to be in the same area near the skate park was victim of an aggravated robbery.
The 24-year-old British tourist was approached by one of the group of offenders, who was armed with a baseball bat and demanded his wallet.
The tourist handed over his wallet and a small amount of cash was taken. The wallet was discarded nearby and later recovered.
The tourist has been interviewed by Police, and while he was shaken, he was fortunately not physically harmed.
Around 6pm yesterday, one of the vehicles believed to have been involved in these incidents was stopped by Police in South Invercargill.
One of the occupants, a 17-year-old male was arrested and charged with possession of an offensive weapon. He appeared in the Invercargill District Court this morning and was remanded on bail to reappear on January 31.
Police inquiries into these incidents are ongoing, and we are appealing to the public for information from anyone who was in the area of Tyne, Ness, and Eye Streets yesterday afternoon.
Any information is welcomed, and we are particularly appealing to anyone who has CCTV on their properties that may have captured anything relevant for Police.
Please contact Invercargill Police on (03) 211 0400 if you can help.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre