Police appeal for help on stabbing

Police investigating the stabbing of a German man who had been asked for a smoke by a group of men who approached his car at the Guppy Rd riverbank near Taradale last Sunday afternoon are continuing to track his assailants and have made further appeals to the public for information.

The 21-year-old, who is travelling through New Zealand and has been working during his stay in Hawke's Bay, was approached about 3pm as he sat in his car.

"He was just chilling out - having a smoke," Detective Glen Restieaux said.

The man was attacked after one of the group asked for a cigarette and he made a comment along the lines of "if you say please".

One of the group took offence and he was dragged from the car, although he was able to put up a bit of resistance as he had done training with the German Army.

One of the offenders, however, got behind him and stabbed him in the shoulder with a small knife.

He was later treated at a medical centre in Napier after driving to a friend's house.

"He was okay and went back to work on Monday," Mr Restieaux said.

The four men in the car, two aged in their 20s and two in their 40s, were described as Maori, and a couple appeared to have gang links through the clothing they were wearing. The car was described as a black Toyota Camry.

Those with information about the incident or who may know the identity of the offenders are asked to contact Napier Police on 831 0700 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.