Police are appealing for information after a courtesy van was taken and its driver assaulted in Central Otago earlier today.
Just after midnight, the victim left the Stadium Tavern in Alexandra with five passengers on board the courtesy van, the police said in a statement.
After a man and woman were dropped off together in the town, the victim continued transporting a second group of three men home.
An argument broke out and the victim stopped the van on Orchard Drive.
He was dragged out and assaulted by the group before they drove off in the van.
The victim was treated at Dunstan Hospital for moderate injuries and discharged.
The van was recovered a short time later on Dunstan Road.
Police want help from the public to identify the two people who were dropped off in Alexandra before the assault.
Anyone who has any information which may assist is asked to call police on 105 and quote file number 211016/5563.