An invalid in his thirties was attacked by two youths last week and New Brighton Police would like to identify them.
Early afternoon on Tuesday 3 March the male invalid, who walks with a limp and drags his foot, was walking his bike with a flat tire through Hampshire Park when he was approached by two youths. They demanded a cigarette then money and stabbed the man's hand with a knife. He later required surgery to his index finger.
The invalid wrestled the knife off the youth who was then stabbed in his left buttock.
The main offender is Polynesian, possibly maori, 14-16 years old, medium build, short black curly hair and a wispy black moustache.
"This man was obviously an invalid and he was attacked in public view," says Senior Constable Warren Dwyer. "There is also a young man out there who has probably sought medical help and is quite uncomfortable."
Anyone who witnessed this incident or who can identify the offender is asked to contact Senior Constable Warren Dwyer, New Brighton Police phone 373 9117.