Second assault in quiet Hawke's Bay town

A man was assaulted and robbed on his way home early on Sunday morning in Hawke's Bay.

The attack was the second in under a month in the quiet town of Taradale.

The victim was walking home with a friend when they were asked for directions, Hawke's Bay Today reported.

Senior Sergeant Andy Sloane said after giving directions to two youths on the other side of the road the two men carried on .

One of the youths ran across the road and knocked the victim to the ground.

He got up and tried to leave but his attacker punched him in the head and demanded money.

Holding down the victim the attacker went through his pockets finding cigarettes and a cellphone.

The victim's friend managed to get away and call police on his cellphone.

A police patrol arrested a 16-year-old Flaxmere youth and charged him with robbery and assault.

The victim received medical treatment for minor injuries.

A 22-year-old man was also assaulted and robbed while walking home early on December 21.

- NZPA