Bay of Plenty police are following tips from the public on the identity of a man who was viciously assaulted in Mount Maunganui on New Year's Eve.
The victim was last seen staggering through crowds on Marine Parade about 11.30pm.
He was heavily bleeding and might have lost a couple of teeth after another man stomped in his head numerous times, Detective Kevin Shields said.
The alleged offender ran across the road as police approached, but was soon found and arrested.
However, the victim has not been found.
Senior Sergeant Carl Purcell of Tauranga police today said they had received a couple of calls from members of the public who believed they knew who the victim was.
"We've got CIB going to speak to those people today."