A man is in a critical condition following a serious assault in Waipukurau on Wednesday night.
Detective Senior Sergeant Sally Patrick said Police received multiple calls around 11:35pm reporting an altercation between a man and a group of youths in the middle of the intersection of Russell and Herbert Streets.
She said the man was assaulted, and possibly hit with a scooter, before the youths left the area.
Ambulance staff treated the man on scene, and he was taken to Hawke’s Bay Hospital with head injuries, where he remains.
Detective Senior Sergeant Patrick said two youths were located by Police nearby and are being spoken with.
Investigators were in Waipukurau yesterday, viewing CCTV, and speaking to witnesses.
Ms Patrick said Police will be looking to speak with the victim when he is well enough.
The CHB Municipal Theatre will be a hive of activity over the next three days with the annual CHB Lions Bookarama.
The event, which has raised thousands of dollars for local causes over the years – including $23,000 last year, opens at 9am today.
A call for donations has seen organisers sorting through many banana boxes of books and jigsaw puzzles, with a good selection of vinyl records also donated for this year’s sale.
The Bookarama runs 9am to 4pm today and tomorrow, and from 9am to 2pm Sunday.
Weekend Rugby thanks to the Leopard Hotel, Waipukurau :
Manawatu Competition :
Dannevirke Seniors vs Freyberg Old Boys away
Dannevirke Colts vs Bush at Rugby Park at 12.45pm
Hawke’s Bay Competition :
Central Prems vs Clive away
Central Women’s vs MAC away Onga-Tiko Colts - BYE
Country Grade :
Waipawa Country United vs Takapau at Coronation Park at 2.45pm
Porangahau vs Central at White Domain at 2.45pm
Otane vs Eskview away
Kiwirail and contractors Fulton Hogan will be undertaking work on the rail crossing at Fraser Road near the Silver Fern Farms Takapau plant over the next two weekends.
Fraser Road near the crossing will be closed from 6am tomorrow through until Monday, and over the same days and times the following weekend.
Fraser Road will be closed at the intersection of Fraser and Oruawharo Roads, and around Station Road.