Wellington CIB want to find two women who went to the aid of a man being attacked in Wellington's upper Cuba Street about 1.45am on Sunday morning, 26 November.
Detective Sergeant Zane Smith said a 57-year-old man was brutally assaulted as he got into his car parked outside Olive Cafe.
"The victim received a broken eye socket and other facial injuries that could require surgery.
"This assault appears to be unprovoked and was witnessed by two women who tried to intervene and help the victim," he said. "We'd like to speak with these women and anyone else who saw what happened."
Police are also trying to find the offender who is described as a male Maori or Pacific Island, approximately 5ft 8in tall, and of medium to solid build. He was at the time of the assault wearing a dark top or jacket, light coloured trousers and a dark baseball cap.
Immediately afterwards he walked up Cuba Street towards Mt Cook.
Detective Sergeant Smith said the offender is believed to have been with two other people, and had been seen milling around a white, four-door sedan - make and model unknown.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Smith, Wellington CIB, on telephone: 381 2000.
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