Up to four males are being hunted by police after they allegedly punched and stomped on a young man's head as he lay unconscious on the ground.
Police in Invercargill have put out an appeal for anyone who may know the group after the incident in the early hours of this morning.
Officers were called to the corner of Esk and Kelvin Sts about 2.05am where a 21-year-old man had been left unconscious after an altercation with four other males.
"As the victim lay unconscious, he was repeatedly punched and stomped about the head,'' police said.
Authorities are now looking to speak to the occupants of a Ford Falcon or Fairmont vehicle who were seen leaving the area soon afterwards.
"The vehicle is described as an early model Ford - light metallic-coloured with mag or alloy wheels, tinted windows and a dark-coloured stripe running the length of the vehicle.''
Police praised members of the public who came to the victim's aid and urged anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them immediately.
Can you help? Contact CrimeStoppers Anonymous: 0800 555 111