"Information sought on weekend bottle assault"

Christchurch Police are appealing for information about an incident in which an 18-year old man was assaulted outside an Addington bar late on Saturday night.

The man is believed to have been stabbed in the side with a broken bottle during an altercation between two groups of people.

He required surgery but his injuries are not believed to be serious. His condition this afternoon was reported to be stable and improving.

Police say the incident occurred around midnight on Saturday night in the vicinity of the Bedrock Bar in Lincoln Road.

An initial review of CCTV footage from the bar indicates that a dispute took place between two groups of people in a driveway and rear car park at the premises.

The victim was one of a group of three which was confronted by another group of around five people.

Investigators say the man's friends took him to Christchurch Hospital following the attack. Police were not alerted to the incident until Sunday afternoon when the victim's mother learned from his friends that he was in hospital and called Police. The victim was spoken by Police on Sunday night at hospital.

Initial enquiries indicate the dispute between the two groups may have been triggered by a fight inside the bar.

A group of patrons was ejected, and shortly afterwards a rock was thrown through a side window of the bar. The assault is believed to have happened shortly after this incident.

A 21-year old man, who is believed to be an associate of the assault victim, was arrested for wilful damage in relation to the rock throwing.

Police say they are continuing enquiries to establish what occurred, and to identify and locate the offender or offenders.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Constable Caroline Johnson on (03) 3637404 or Christchurch Police on (03) 3637400.

Alternatively, to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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