Man receives serious facial injuries in 'horrific, unprovoked attack' on Whangarei street

Photo / File

A man was seriously injured after being robbed on a Whangarei street in a "horrific, unprovoked attack by two cowards", police say.

The man in his mid-20s was walking north on Lupon Ave, near Oranga Rd, about 10.30pm on January 3 when he was confronted by two men.

The men were carrying weapons and demanded he hand over his personal items. They were "very aggressive" and attacked the man, leaving him with serious face injuries.

One of the alleged offenders is described as being a Maori or Pacific Islander, in his early 20s, and of solid build.

The other was described as being a Maori or Pacific Islander and of skinny build.

The alleged offenders took the victim's personal belongings and separated.

Detective Constable Alistair Todd said police were following positive lines of enquiry.

"This was a horrific, unprovoked attack by two cowards.

"The Whangarei community will not tolerate this type of disgusting behaviour and we ask that anyone who has any information that can assist police contacts us immediately."

Anyone with information can call Whangarei Police on 09 430 4500, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.