Monday, 3 February 2014 - 2:43pm |
Wellington

Update on Naenae assault investigation

1 min read

Hutt Valley Police are continuing their investigation in to the assault of a 70 year old man in Naenae in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Detective Ben Cornelius says "Investigators have been able to interview the victim today and gain further detail on the three men who attacked him".

"He is now recovering after what can only be described as a cowardly attack on a couple who have given a lot to their community. It is too early to say what the motivation could have been or if it was a case of mistaken identity."

"After the men intimated his wife, the man has come outside to confront three males who have struck him with their fists and a piece of wood leaving him with a broken collar bone, lacerations and bruising."

Police are appealing for anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the Bush Street, Naenae, area at around 3.00am on Sunday morning. The offenders have been described as three Pacific Island males wearing dark clothing who left the area in a dark coloured four wheel drive vehicle.

One of the males has been described as in his mid-30s, around 190cms tall with a muscular build and a black cap and potentially wearing a white collared shirt.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Hutt Valley Police on 04 560 2600. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers organisation on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Please note there will be a brief media stand up with Detective Ben Cornelius along with the victim, Francis WATENE, and his wife near the Bush Street property at 3.10pm today.

For media queries please contact Nick Bohm, Wellington District Communications Manager, on 021 192 1816.