Retailer assaulted with chair

SEARCH: Police are hunting an offender who assaulted a Heretaunga Street retailer with a chair today. PHOTO/DUNCAN BROWN

Police are on the hunt for a man who assaulted a Cake Stuff staff member with a chair in Hastings CBD shortly after 1pm today.

The baking supply and decorating shop on Heretaunga St East is moving and employee Vicky Kyle had gone upstairs to collect some boxes.

When she didn't come down or answer the phone her sister and owner of the store Donna Kyle became concerned and sent another worker to find her.

Vicky had been knocked "out cold" and after coming round was able to say a man hit her over the head with a chair from behind.

Police and St John Ambulance were called to the scene. Sniffer dogs continue to search for the suspect.

It comes after months of "strange activity" in the empty space above the store. They had called police once before after finding clothing and bedding -but believed whoever was living there to be "harmless" and simply looking for shelter.