Hamilton Police investigating an alleged car-jacking in the City overnight are appealing for members of the public to help them find the offenders responsible.
Shift Manager, Senior Sergeant Dave Litton, said officers were still working to establish exactly what happened but it appears a 24-year-old Te Aroha man was assaulted overnight and had his car stolen.
"It all started after our victim agreed to drive two women and a man to a liquor store and then to their respective homes. At one point the male passenger convinced the victim to let him drive and while the victim was in the front passenger seat, the two women allegedly assaulted him.
"When they parked his car outside a Clyde St address the victim followed the offenders inside with the intent of getting his keys back but was dragged outside to his car and driven to SH26 at Newstead. Taken out of the car the man was beaten before being abandoned on the side of the road."
The injured man was found lying on the roadside by passing motorists who raised the alarm.
"His injuries were sufficiently serious for him to require hospital treatment but it is thought he will be released later today.
"We believe the incident occurred about 10pm. The car, a blue 1992 BMW 320i sedan was recovered by some flats on the corner of Hamilton's Peachgrove Rd and Clyde St about 8.45am today and is currently being forensically examined."
Mr Litton said a key area the public can help Police in is identifying the offenders responsible.
"So far the only description we have is the victim describing them as Maori with the male being called "Mohepa."
"Obviously Police are taking this matter very seriously and we are appealing for anyone with any information on the identity of the offenders to come forward."
Anyone with any information on the identities of those involved in the attack is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Nick O'Brien of the Hamilton CIB on 07 858 6200.
Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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