International students rally to help theft victim

Police are seeking information after an international student was robbed.

A Nepalese student who was robbed of $2000 cash while cycling on Havelock Rd says he's "back on track" following the incident.

Police said they had yet to receive any information from the public yesterday, after the male student, 23, was forced to part with money he'd planned to send home to his struggling family.

He was cycling along Havelock Rd towards Hastings on Friday at 6.45pm when a vehicle pulled into the cycling lane, forcing him to stop.

Two men got out of the car, approached him and demanded his backpack.

He handed over his bag, containing $2000 cash and his curriculum vitae.

The victim, who did not wish to be named, said fellow international students had been supporting him since the theft, and he was looking for part-time work.

"I'm back on track now. I have friends who are helping me, they're very good. Everything is going better, except I'm looking for a job."

He said he was "being more careful" since the incident, and avoided travelling on Havelock Rd.

He moved to Hawke's Bay seven months ago. Since learning of the earthquake in his home country he had been saving to send money to his family in Nepal.

"I just wanted to send my money home, because my house was destroyed."

He described the attackers as "bigger and stronger" and of Maori or Pasifika descent.

One of the alleged offenders was wearing a black hoodie, while the other wore light-coloured trousers.

The vehicle was described as dark in colour.

Detective Ross Alexander said police were disappointed no one had come forward with information relating to the incident.

"I never like hearing about any offences, especially when they happen to international students who have come here to better themselves, and to send money back to their families," he said.

-Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers or Detective Ross Alexander on 06 831 0700.