Couple carry out 'nasty and vicious' attack

A couple subjected a Palmerston North man to a "nasty and vicious" attack this morning, leaving the victim critically ill in hospital.

The assault took place at a College St address before 1am leaving the victim, a 36-year-old Palmerston North man, on the front lawn of the property with serious head injuries.

Detective Sergeant Brett Calkin of the Palmerston North CIB said the police officer first on the scene had been shocked by the severity of the beating.

Police knew the identities of the two people involved, a 28-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman, but have not yet released them.

They were believed to have left the address in a white hatchback car.

Mr Calkin said the man's injuries were not thought to be life threatening, but he was in critical condition with a number of fractures, and bruising to his face and neck.

He is unlikely to be able to give a statement for a few days.

"This assault was particularly nasty and vicious," Mr Calkin said. "It was unprovoked and sustained.

"The victim was knocked to the ground and was, by all accounts, unable to defend himself."

Police will be conducting door-to-door inquiries in the neighbourhood this morning, as well as a scene examination.

Anybody with information relating to the assault is urged to contact Palmerston North police.

- NZPA