A German tourist in Wanganui was hit in the head several times this week in an apparently random and unprovoked attack.
Police said the 22-year-old man, who is travelling the country, was sitting in a car at the carpark at Virginia Lake when he was approached by two men onWednesday night.
He opened his car door to see what they wanted and was punched in the head several times.
He was pulled from the car and the assault continued but he managed to get away and run across the road for help. One of his attackers followed him briefly before he ran from the scene.
Nothing was taken from the man, and the motive behind the attack was unclear.
The tourist, who suffered bruising to his face, was offered a place to stay the night by a member of the public before continuing his travels.
Senior Sergeant Shayne Wainhouse said several members of the public came to his aid. Police were interested in hearing from anyone who may have witnessed the attack.
