A Flaxmere man was left with a head injury following what police describe as a "worrying and cowardly" attack on a local resident.
Detective Stacey Bailey of the Hawke's Bay CIB said that at about 9pm on Saturday night the victim disturbed an intruder at the rear of a Flaxmere property that resulted in an attack on him with a weapon.
"It is of real concern that this offender remains at large following this attack. There are a few clues to identify the man responsible," Ms Bailey said.
The offender is described as being a male Maori aged in his 20s with a number one hair cut. He was chanting in Maori both before and after the attack. He left the area in a silver people mover-style vehicle.
"Someone will know this man and I am urging them to come forward or anyone that was in the vicinity of the intersection of Flaxmere and Margate Avenues."
