A member of the public is being praised for rescuing a man from a brutal robbery and assault on the streets of Ngaruawahia early on Friday.
Acting Sergeant Chris Cummings said the victim left the town's Delta Tavern about 1am and was walking along State Highway 1 when he was set upon by two men outside the Curry Ana Hury restaurant and knocked to the ground.
He was kicked repeatedly and robbed before a passing member of the public pulled his car over and called 111.
"It was this person's presence and intervention that prevented our victim suffering even more serious injuries and we applaud the member of the public for their actions," Mr Cummings said.
A 17-year-old man was apprehended a short time later and taken into custody, but the other offender was still at large.
