Police still searching for Mount Maunganui assault victim

Thousands of revellers swarmed onto the beach at the Mount as the final countdown to 2013 began. Photo / George Novak

Bay of Plenty police are yet to find a man who was assaulted in Mount Maunganui on New Year's Eve.

The victim was last seen staggering through crowds on Marine Parade about 11.30pm.

He was bleeding heavily and might have lost a couple of teeth after another man stomped in his head numerous times, Detective Kevin Shields said.

The alleged offender ran across the road as police approached, but was soon found and arrested.

However, the victim has not been found.

"We'd like the victim to contact us so the appropriate support can be offered. It's also important the victim seeks appropriate medical attention as his injuries could be quite severe,'' Detective Shields said.