Teen run down on purpose - police

A 15-year-old youth was chased and deliberately run down by the driver of a car in Tokoroa overnight, say police.

They are treating the incident as a serious assault.

The teenager was taken to Waikato Hospital with head and chest injuries and remains in the intensive care unit there today.

Police are still piecing together what happened but Detective Sergeant Kevan Verry, of Tokoroa CIB, said it appeared there was an altercation in the centre of the Waikato township between two groups.

The victim was then chased and run down several blocks away, in Baberton St, about 3.30am.

The area has been cordoned off for forensic examination, and police will be speaking to witnesses today, Mr Verry said.

Anyone with any information about the attack is asked to contact police.

- NZPA