Image may help find attackers

The teenager was photographed by a passerby.

One of the teenagers who dragged a 58-year-old man out a car window and beat him to the ground has been caught on camera.

Police last week released security camera footage of the "cowardly attack" which occurred outside the Christchurch Art Gallery.

The footage showed several teens but it was not close enough to reveal their faces clearly.

Yesterday police released a new image, one taken by a member of the public on the day of the attack.

Constable Bruce Lomax said the victim was driving along Gloucester St on March 19 when he saw teenagers tagging the new art gallery.

The man reversed to get a better look at them but was pulled from his car through the window.

Mr Lomax said the man was beaten, knocked to the ground and kicked about the head and body. He was left with a broken nose, cuts and severe bruising on his body.

"This was a particularly nasty incident when a concerned member of the public was trying to protect public property."

Police hope the photo will lead them to the other teens.

"If anyone can help us identify this person we should be able to pick up the others as well."

Mr Lomax can be contacted on (03) 363-7488.