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A man had his thumb hacked off with a machete in an attack on a family group in Gisborne last night.
Detective Sergeant Kevin Ford, of Gisborne police, told NZPA today that a group of family members were walking along a local street about 5.30pm when they were attacked by four men, armed with a machete, a crowbar, a hammer and bottles.
"As a result of that attack a 46-year-old man had his right thumb cut off with a machete," Mr Ford said.
The man was flown to Waikato Hospital where he is undergoing treatment. Mr Ford did not know if the man's thumb was able to be re-attached.
He said there were six people of varying ages in the family group, while the four attackers were in their late teens or early twenties.
Four men were arrested and were to appear in Gisborne District Court today charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
- NZPA
