German visitor bashed, robbed of everything

Police are seeking information about an attack on a German tourist in Northland.

A German cycling tourist travelling through Northland has been bashed and robbed of all his possessions including his bike.

An interpreter was working with the man yesterday while he remained in Whangarei Hospital with serious head and facial injuries.

Whangarei police spokeswoman Sarah Kennett would not say what the man's injuries were or whether a weapon had been used but appealed to members of the public to help police find the attacker or attackers.

The 48-year-old German man was taken to the Waipu Medical Centre with head and facial injuries about 6pm last Thursday.

He was dropped off at the medical centre by a member of the public and now police want to speak to that person, who could be key to helping them piece together what happened.

"It is believed that the injured man has been riding around Northland and had been camping in the Waipu area prior to the assault. The victim is still recovering in Whangarei Hospital," Mrs Kennett said.

Police are also appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the assault, or has knowledge of what happened, to make contact.

Officers working on the case would also like to hear from anyone who may have found some of the cyclist's items that may have been thrown away, including his tent, bicycle and personal belongings.

-Anyone with information can contact the Whangarei Police Station on 09 430 4500 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.