File photo / NZ Herald
A man was intentionally hit by a car during an out-of-control party in Tauranga last night, police say.
Senior Sergeant Eddie Lyttle they were called to the incident on Tauranga's 18th Ave around 11.15pm last night.
The situation had escalated after gate crashers arrived at a party, he said.
A fight occurred between them and the party goers which spilled out onto the road.
Approximately 10 people were involved.
One of the partygoers got into a vehicle outside the party and drove down 18th Ave, veering to where one of the gate crashers was standing and deliberately struck him, causing the victim to be flung to the ground, Mr Lyttle said.
The car then returned to the address.
"Investigators are still trying to establish who was at the wheel of the vehicle when it hit the victim.
"Witnesses from the party are helping police with their enquires however there are still several witnesses they are trying to locate."
The victim was taken to Tauranga Hospital where his injuries, which were not believed to have been serious, were treated, Mr Lyttle said.
He was later discharged from the hospital.
The scene was examined by a police crash investigation team and members of the Criminal Investigation Branch overnight and the road is now open.
Police are appealing for witnesses to contact their local police station if they have any information about the incident.
Alternatively, the information can be given to the Tauranga police on (07) 577 4300 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Seven people have died in road crashes around the country since Wednesday.