Beating, kidnap claim investigated

Police are investigating a man's claim that he was beaten up and thrown into a car boot in Taranaki at the weekend.

The 21-year-old man from Palmerston North told police that the attack happened after he was kicked out of an Eltham pub for being drunk about 10pm on Friday.

He was driven around for several hours before being released.

"We are taking it seriously, but we have no eyewitnesses at this stage," Senior Constable Chris Glen said told the Taranaki Daily News.

The man was treated at Hawera Hospital for injuries to his face and lower arms.

Police wanted to hear from anyone who might have seen the incident, Mr Glen said.

- NZPA