Man punched before car stolen

An 18-year-old Dargaville man's car was stolen after he was assaulted last night.

The victim was sitting in his car about 9pm when a man jumped over a fence and assaulted him by punching him in the face, Senior Sergeant Sue Leach, of Dargaville police said.

"The offender pulled the victim from his car and again punched him in the face before throwing him onto the ground and taking the victims car keys."

He then drove off in the victim's car, Ms Leach said.

The offender is described as being a young Maori man about 16-17 years old, medium build, and of average height.

- NZPA