Man found critically injured in Waikato town of Kihikihi

Police would like to hear of any sightings of the victim's red Daihatsu Terios, registration LKN281, on Thursday. Photo / Supplied

Police are appealing for information from the public as officers investigate the circumstances leading to a meter reader being critically injured in Kihikihi yesterday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders said emergency services were called at 4.35pm on Thursday after the man was found with serious head injuries on Oliver St.

Police are investigating an incident in which a man was critically injured in Oliver Street, Kihikihi on Thursday and had his vehicle stolen. Google Maps

He was transported to Waikato Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Police and Victim Support are working to support his family.

Andrew says the man was carrying out meter readings on Oliver St before being injured.

Police would like to hear of any sightings of the victim's red Daihatsu Terios, registration LKN281, on Thursday. Photo / Supplied

He says the man’s vehicle - a red Daihatsu Terios - was also stolen from Oliver Str, and was later found on fire on Kawhia Rd, near the turnoff to State Highway 39 south of Pirongia.

Location of where the victim's vehicle was located on fire on Kawhia Road, near the turnoff to State Highway 39 south of Pirongia.

Police believe the person or people who stole the man’s vehicle were also responsible for the man’s injuries.

“We would like to hear from anyone who believes they may have seen this vehicle between 4.30pm and 6pm on Thursday, January 5,” Andrew says.

Police have also identified a second possible vehicle of interest – a silver Nissan Primera, registration DHA220 – and would like to hear from anyone who saw this vehicle at any time on January 5.

Police would like to hear of any sightings of this silver Nissan Primera, registration DHA220, on Thursday. Photo / Supplied

“We are also interested in any CCTV / dashcam footage from in and around Oliver St,” says Andrew.

Police are this afternoon carrying out scene examinations at several locations of interest, including where the victim was found in Oliver St.

The investigation team is being assisted by officers from the police’s specialist search group, as well as staff from ESR.

Anyone with footage or information that could assist this investigation is asked to contact police via the 105 phone service or online at police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report. Please reference file number 230105/8487.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers, 0800 555111.