An man in his 70s has been taken to the Hawke's Bay Hospital after a serious assault in central Hastings this morning.
Police were called to the roundabout at King Street Sth and Heretaunga Street West, around 11am.
A spokeswoman said members of the public called emergency services and helped the man until an ambulance arrived. They also followed the alleged offender and helped police find him nearby.
A 27-year-old man was arrested. He will appear in the Hastings District Court tomororw facing three assault charges.
The spokeswoman said police would like to thank those people who helped the injured man.