A 33-year-old man was punched in the jaw and repeatedly kicked in the head during a vicious aggravated robbery in Oriental Parade early yesterday morning.
Detective Sergeant Jason Perry, Wellington CIB, said the victim, a student, will require on-going medical treatment for two fractures to his jaw.
"This was a very violent attack in which a man was punched, the force of which sent him flying over the concrete seawall and onto the Oriental Bay sand," he said.
"The offender has then jumped over the wall and kicked the victim three times in the head as the victim tried to protect himself."
Detective Sergeant Perry is appealing for witnesses to the attack which happened about 4am yesterday morning, on Oriental Parade. The victim was walking from the city along the parade when about 50m before The Fisherman's Table Restaurant (old rotunda) he heard someone following him.
This person has then run up from behind the victim and punched him on the jaw. As the victim lay in the sand with his arms trying to protect his head, he was forced to hand over his wallet containing a driver's licence and money cards.
Detective Sergeant Perry said the victim saw the offender run off and get into the passenger seat of an older model white sedan which then drove off towards the Eastern Suburbs.
"The victim managed to get up and has passed four men sitting on one of the seats on the parade. He's asked for help and has been told to call police so he walked to a nearby phone box."
Detective Sergeant Perry said police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, or anyone who has any information about who was involved.
In particular, police want to hear from people who saw: • the attack taking place on Oriental Bay • the offender or the old style white sedan car leaving Oriental Bay or driving in the area shortly after 4am yesterday • the people who were sitting on the seat to see if they can provide further information.
"This was a totally unprovoked attack and shows the vulnerability of people, both men and women, walking alone late at night," Detective Sergeant Perry said.
The only description of the offender is male, 6ft 1in tall, of slim build, and wearing dark clothing. He drove off as the passenger in an older model white sedan.
If anyone has information, please call Wellington Police on: 0800 TIP OFF.
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