Tauranga Police are investigating after a Bayfair Shopping Centre employee was the victim of a serious assault yesterday.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
"The man was going for a walk during a break when he was allegedly assaulted by a group of youths near the Farm Street bus interchange just after 3pm," Tauranga Area Response Manager Senior Sergeant Nick Lewer said in a statement.
The alleged attackers fled and the victim was left with a serious eye injury, police said.
"The Farm Street area was busy at that time and we are urging anyone who saw the assault or can help us identify those involved to contact us."
Police said there has been an increase in incidents relating to young people congregating in the vicinity of the shopping centre.
"In response we have increased our presence in this area, and we continue to work with both the shopping centre and local and regional authorities to address these ongoing issues," Lewer said.
An investigation is also under way into the damage of a bus on Farm Street just after 5.15pm on 12 May.
Anyone with information in relation to Saturday's serious assault is asked to contact police via 105 and quote file number 220514/2327.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.