Woman punched in carpark attack

An 18-year-old woman was punched in the face during what appeared to be a random attack in the Masterton McDonald's carpark early on Sunday morning.

Acting Sergeant Shayne Nolan said Masterton police were appealing for witnesses to the assault, which left the victim with minor injuries needing medical attention.

The attack happened about 3am, and police are looking for two female suspects.

"On the information we have it appears to be a random attack. We're getting a lot of problems on Saturday nights in that carpark."

Officers were there very soon after the assault, Mr Nolan said, but could not locate the suspects.

Mr Nolan said it was the only place to get food after pubs and bars shut at 2am, and police had been targeting the area to try to stop drunk and disorderly behaviour. He said those who were buying food in the early hours were safer to stay in groups or use the drive-through.

Mr Nolan said a couple of other arrests were made over the weekend for disorderly behaviour, but were not related to the assault.

In May, a 16-year-old boy had his jaw broken in two places after an assault in the McDonald's carpark and three people were arrested.