Marton Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a newspaper delivery contractor was assaulted and his vehicle stolen when he was conducting a delivery in the early hours of this morning.
At about 3:25am the contractor was delivering newspapers on Skerman Street, and got back in his vehicle to continue his route when a man has opened the door and pushed him out of the vehicle. The offender physically assaulted the contractor before pushing him to the ground. During the struggle the offender was assisted by a second male offender.
The two offenders then got into the vehicle and drove off in the direction of Whanganui.
Police were notified immediately after the incident. The contractor was very shaken and received minor injuries. He was treated by ambulance staff at the scene.
The vehicle is described as a 2014 silver Mitsubishi Mirage, registration HLR633.
Later today property from the vehicle was located by officers under the Kakariki Bridge, on the Palmerston North side of State Highway One.
Sergeant Marty Kilpatrick, acting officer in charge of the Marton Police says: "This was a cowardly attack on a member of the public who was going about their daily job and we are appealing to anyone that has seen the Mitsubishi vehicle or any suspicious activity in the Bond and Skerman Street areas last night to the early hours of this morning to contact police."
The first offender is described as Caucasian, about 20-years-old, approximately 6 foot tall, solid build, with wispy hair. He was wearing a dark coloured hoodie and track pants. The second male offender is described as being of Maori descent; however no further information is available at this stage.
"Our inquiries are continuing and we strongly encourage anyone with information to contact us immediately," says Sergeant Kilpatrick.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant Kilpatrick on (06) 213 4183. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.