Mob attacks four holidaymakers

Four holidaymakers were savagely beaten by a gang of up to 30 people in Kaikoura early today.

One of the four Christchurch men suffered moderate injuries, while the other three received black eyes, bruising and abrasions, a Kaikoura police spokesman told NZPA.

The attack took place on Beach Road about 12.30am when the men were walking back to their hotel.

Sergeant Barry Hansen told the Marlborough Express that one of the men was severely beaten and left on the ground.

"Another was chucked in a Hilux and taken out of town and dumped," he said.

A sharp weapon may have been used during the incident, Mr Hansen said.

A woman, who saw some of the incident, said a man tried to make a run for it but he was chased and beaten. She saw three or four of the group attack the man.

Another witness said he saw a "poor guy" get attacked by a mob of about 20 people who looked like teenagers.

The victim, aged in his mid 20s, was walking with his friends when the group tried to talk to him and then some of them pushed him up against a car and started kicking and hitting him, the witness said.

A police spokesman said the motive for the attack was unknown at this stage.

"We're working through it, it's early days yet, and we're still trying to work it out," he said.

- NZPA