Multiple facial fractures after attack

A young man suffered multiple facial fractures when he was assaulted after a 21st birthday party at a Christchurch cricket club early this morning.

The 22-year-old was found injured outside the Sydenham Cricket Club rooms at 4.57am, police said.

Detectives and ambulance were sent to the scene. The man was conscious and breathing when he was taken to Christchurch in a moderate condition.

He would undergo MRI scans on his face today, Detective Sergeant Chris Power said.

A man was arrested and charged with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He remains in custody and will appear in Christchurch District Court tomorrow.

Sydenham Cricket Club president Graham Harris stressed both the victim and alleged attacker were not members of the club.

He did not know how many people attended the party, which was understood to have already ended when the assault occurred.

Police have said the assault happened within the club rooms, but Mr Harris said it happened outside the pavilion.

"I'm not sure of the facts. I know it happened outside our pavilion but beyond that it's still a police matter," he said.

Mr Harris said a family had booked the facility through the club's pavilion committee.

"They weren't cricket club members. I'm not even sure what relation they had to the incident."

Club members were not gossiping about the incident this morning, Mr Harris said.

"It's unfortunate we can't use our facilities while the police are doing their work, but that's where it rests, I believe."

Mr Power said it was unknown if the victim was leaving the party when he was attacked, but the party was dispersing or finished when the man was assaulted.

Police still wanted to speak to "whoever was the last to leave" the party.

The assault most likely took place within the cricket club rooms, Mr Power said.

"Taking into account the victim's injuries, he wouldn't have moved very far."

The investigation was at "first base" and Mr Power appealed for anyone with information to contact him directly on (03) 972 5894.