Police appeal for witnesses to 'gutless' attack

Hamilton police investigating the serious assault of a man on Monday night are appealing for witnesses including a good samaritan who went to his aid.

The attack happened by Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake) about 8pm.

"Our victim, a 30-year-old male, was walking by himself on the grass verge along the northern edge of the lake adjacent to Lake Domain Dr when he was approached by three men who initially asked him for cigarettes," Detective Dion Bennett of the Hamilton CIB said today.

"As he handed some over he was set upon by the men, punched to the ground and kicked about the head in what was a vicious and cowardly attack that left the victim with serious facial injuries."

Mr Bennett described the attack as "gutless".

He said the man was able to get to a woman, who was with her two children parked nearby, and asked for help.

"Despite his scary appearance the woman took the injured man to Waikato Hospital where he is currently recovering from his injuries."

Police wanted to speak to the woman to recognise what she did and to gather any recollections she may have had on who the attackers might be.

"We also want to hear from anyone else who was in the vicinity of the lake at the time of the attack who may have seen something suspicious," Mr Bennett said.

The offenders were described as Maori, aged in their late teens or early twenties and of medium build.

One of the men was wearing a blue and white head scarf.

- NZPA