Strangers save woman during assault in car

Photo / File

A woman who was allegedly assaulted by her partner while driving, was helped by good samaritans after she managed to stop her vehicle, police say.

Acting Senior Sergeant Chris George said the woman was driving her male partner north on Cumberland St in Dunedin, when an alleged assault occurred at 10.50pm on Saturday night.

The victim was able to stop the vehicle outside Beaurepaires, and was assisted by three young men "who were able to extract her from the car as the assault was continuing".

"They got her out and dissuaded the offender to stop assaulting the victim."

Acting Snr Sgt George praised the three or four young males who came to the victim's assistance, but police still wanted to hear from them in regards to the incident.

The victim was in the care of Women's Refuge, and the offender was expected to appear in Dunedin District Court today.

Early yesterday morning a 25-year-old man was knocked unconscious during an alleged assault near the entrance to Dunedin Hospital.

Police and hospital security staff assisted the victim who suffered head and scalp lacerations near the Gt King St entrance shortly after 2am.

Two alleged offenders were apprehended a short time later on George St, Acting Snr Sgt Chris George said.

Police were yet to speak to the victim, who was discharged yesterday, about the incident.

One of the men was expected to appear in Dunedin District Court today charged with injuring with intent.

Extra police staff had been rostered on this weekend due to the festive season, and while Friday night was quiet, the "steady stream of assaults on Saturday night was disappointing".

"It is unfortunate that these assaults have occurred. I guess the good news is people have been locked up, but it would have been better if they didn't happen in the first place."