Police seek information following Papanui assault

Christchurch Police are seeking information or sightings related to an assault in Papanui on Thursday evening [24 April].

A 28-year old man was assaulted in St James Park, Harewood Road, during the incident. He sustained a dislocated shoulder, fractured jaw, fractured nose and a fractured eye socket that will require surgery.

Detective Andrew Henderson says Police were contacted at around 7.30pm by a female associate of the victim.

"From our inquiries to date we believe the victim had been at the Phoenix Bar near the corner of Papanui, Harewood and Main North Roads.

"Around 3.30 to 4pm he left the premises, in the company of a woman, and possibly met another man and a woman. The group has walked to St James Park.

"Unfortunately the victim has no memory of the three hours between leaving the bar and being assaulted in St James Park.

"From information provided by witnesses we believe the victim and his associate had some contact with a group of three men at the park.

"At around 7pm an altercation occurred and the three men allegedly assaulted the victim, then left the scene.

"Several people stopped and assisted the victim, and a cyclist followed the three offenders through the park along the pedestrian walkway beside the railway line to the Blighs Road entrance."

The three men are described as Pacific Islanders; one was described as being approximately 20 to 25 years of age, of large, stocky build, 183 cm (6 ft) tall, wearing a white hoodie, shorts and jandals.

The other two males were both described as wearing dark hoodies.

Police would like to identify the three men and are appealing for any information as to their identity.

Detective Henderson the three men had been seen drinking and intimidating passers-by in St James Park on the afternoon of Thursday 24 April.

Investigators also want to contact the woman, possibly known as Georgia, who had been with the victim and his companion after they left the bar and walked towards St James Park.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Henderson at Christchurch Police, ph. (03) 3637400.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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