Violent daylight attack in small Otago town

Photo / File

A violent daylight attack in a small Otago town has resulted in three arrests and an appeal for information about two travellers who police hold concerns for.

Police said two teens and a 20-year-old man were arrested after a group were seen assaulting a single male victim on Albert Town's Dale Street at 12.44pm yesterday.

Wanaka police, who are currently investigating the incident, said they received multiple calls from members of the public alerting them to the attack.

"The assault was witnessed by a number of residents who were concerned at the ferocity and duration of the attack on the victim," Sergeant Simon Paget said.

A 17-year-old boy and 20-year-old man are due to appear in the Queenstown District Court today in relation to the incident.

A 15-year-old boy has been referred to police youth aid section.

Mr Paget also appealed for information about two people, believed to be travellers, who were in a vehicle involved in the incident.

The man and woman, who were in a car described as a Silver Mitsubishi Chariot, may be at risk, he said.

"We would like to speak to them as soon as possible. As the two are possibly visitors to New Zealand and may be transient or residing in camping grounds we would ask the general public to keep an eye out for it and report any sightings to police.

"We are very concerned about the wellbeing of the occupants and urge them to get in touch with police," Mr Paget said.