27 February 2009
A man is in a coma in Hawke's Bay Hospital after an assault last night that left him with boot marks imprinted on his head and face.
The man was stomped on so hard that his assailant's shoes left an imprint on his face and head. Police say they are appalled by the attack.
The man was set upon by three other men as he walked down the main street of Taradale, Gloucester St, just before 1am today. A fight erupted and the man was knocked to the ground. Two of the attackers stomped on his head and face. He was taken to Hawke's Bay Hospital after a passer-by alerted emergency services. He remains in a critical condition there today.
The attack occurred in the centre of Taradale's main shopping area near Billy Burke's bar. That bar was not open at the time of the assault.
Police say the man was visiting from the UK and had attended a stag party in Napier during the night. He had become separated from his group of friends before the assault.
Police are speaking to one person in relation to the assault, and are today looking for the other two men involved. They are keen to speak to any witnesses who may have seen the assault on Gloucester St.
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