Council contracted security guard allegedly assaulted in lakes area

Tauranga City Council chief executive Garry Poole confirmed the security guard was contracted by the Council. Photo/ File

A Tauranga City Council contracted security guard was allegedly assaulted in the lakes area on Tuesday night.

Police are investigating the incident that occurred in a residential area near Penetaka Heights.

Detective Sergeant Darryl Brazier said the alleged assault occurred between 10.30pm and 10.40pm.

"The male victim received medical treatment and is now resting at home," Brazier said.

"Inquiries into the alleged assault are ongoing."

Tauranga City Council chief executive Garry Poole confirmed the security guard who had been attacked was contracted by the council and said the matter was now a police investigation.

When questioned why there was security present in the area and if any changes had been made to the security arrangement in place, the council would not comment as the matter was under police investigation.

The victim was contacted by the Bay of Plenty Times and did not wish to comment.

The alleged assault on the Tauranga man comes the same week a security guard died after an alleged assault by a teenager at a South Auckland supermarket.

It was understood the guard worked at Countdown in Papakura and was allegedly felled by a single punch to the head when he approached the youth, suspicious of his behaviour.

He allegedly hit the guard just once, causing the fatal injury.

Tauranga police ask anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area of the alleged assault on Tuesday night to contact them on (07) 577 4300.