Police have re-interviewed the 82-year-old victim of a ''cowardly and unprovoked attack'' in the hope he can provide some clues to the identity of two men who bashed him and stole his car.
Detectives working on the case are also appealing to the public for information about the attack on the Kerikeri man, who was back at the Kerikeri police station today. In particular they want to hear from anyone who has seen the man's car, a red Suzuki Swift with the registration GNS33.
Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston, of Kerikeri Police, said the victim was attacked after he picked up two male hitchhikers around 1.30pm on Friday.
They pushed him out of his car in a gravel driveway on Wiroa Rd, directly opposite Bay of Islands Airport, and were last seen heading towards Okaihau.
"This was a cowardly and unprovoked attack on a vulnerable member of our community and we urgently want to find the offenders responsible for this incident," Johnston said.
It is understood the victim was treated at Bay of Islands Hospital in Kawakawa for head injuries. He has since been discharged and was re-interviewed today.(Monday)
Call the Kerikeri station on (09) 407 9211 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 with any information about the attack.