Vicious attack on Nelson man

File photo / Martin Sykes

Police are appealing to the public for help following a vicious attack in Nelson early on Saturday morning that left a man in a coma with serious injuries.

The victim, Nelson hairdresser Brent William Powell, 40, had been at a private gathering of jazz enthusiasts at a Tasman Street house on Friday evening.

Police said he left just after midnight and started walking home along Hardy Street. Mr Powell was about 30 metres from the intersection with Domett Street when he was assaulted.

He lay unconscious for about seven hours before being found by a passing jogger who alerted emergency services. He was taken to Nelson Hospital's intensive care unit where he remains.

Police and hospital staff believe Mr Powell is lucky to still be alive.

Mr Powell's injuries include an intracranial bleed, severe swelling about the head and face, multiple facial fractures, a broken jaw and broken teeth. A decision is yet to be made whether to transfer him to Wellington Hospital.

The eastern end of Hardy Street was cordoned off from the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology to Domett Street by the Maitai River and the road remained closed for several hours. A forensic scene examination has been conducted and an area canvas completed.

Nelson police are seeking help from the public to identify Mr Powell's assailant and any information to be passed on to Detective Pat Nally or Crimestoppers.

Mr Powell is a very well-liked figure about Nelson and friends and family speak very highly of him, police said.

- NZ Herald staff