Broken jaw after "totally unprovoked and excessive" takeaways assault

Police want to speak to the people in this CCTV footage. Photo / Supplied

A man has suffered a broken jaw and several broken teeth, after a group of men tried to steal his food and then assaulted him.

The victim was walking down Wakefield St in central Wellington around 4.50am on Thursday, carrying takeaways, when he was approached by six men.

Police said the group tried to grab his food, before turning on the man, knocking him to the ground and kicking him.

The attack left him with a broken jaw and several broken teeth. The man is being flown to New Plymouth hospital for surgery today.

Detective Senior Sergeant Warwick McKee said the group needed to come forward to police and take responsibility for their actions.

"This attack was totally unprovoked and excessive, and I am determined to hold the group responsible for the attack accountable.

"We encourage any members of the public who may have witnessed this assault, or have any information that could be helpful to the investigation, to please contact Police as soon as possible.

"Police would also like to speak to the people in the attached [CCTV] images, as they may be able to assist with enquiries."

Anyone with information should call Wellington Police on (04) 381 2000, or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.