A group of youths who kicked a man nearly to death in the Napier suburb of Maraenui acted as though they were in a video game where "victims" get up again, police said yesterday.
The 31-year-old was flown to Wellington Hospital for specialist treatment after receiving a compressed skull fracture and lacerations in Sunday's attack.
Apart from being kicked in the head he was also bashed with what police believe was a branch from a tree.
His condition yesterday was described as serious but stable, and he was on a ventilator.
Two youths, aged 16 and 17, were scheduled to appear in the Napier Youth Court yesterday on charges of assault, although Napier CIB Detective Sergeant Mike Foster said that as inquiries continued other charges were likely to be laid.
The incident happened in the backyard of a section off Bledisloe Rd, about 6am, after what appeared to have been a night of drinking. Police believe up to five youths may have been involved.
"It's an ongoing thing; it happens often," Mr Foster said. He likened young people's attitude to violence to that of what they saw in video games, where people could be kicked in the head, yet get up and carry on.
- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY
Youth attack 'like a game'
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