Teen injured in 'cowardly unprovoked group attack'

The victim suffered a fractured jaw, suspected fractured ribs, and bruises and grazes in the attack. File photo / NZ Herald

A 16-year-old boy was seriously injured in what police have described as a "cowardly unprovoked group attack" outside a party in Dunedin.

The assault happened on Malvern St outside a house party between 10.30pm and midnight yesterday.

Detective Sergeant Rob Hanna said the boy was approached by four or five males believed to be aged between 16 and 18.

"The group attacked the victim in an unprovoked sustained assault," Mr Hanna said.

"This included kicking the victim in the head and body area after he had fallen to the ground."

The victim suffered a fractured jaw, suspected fractured ribs, and bruises and grazes.

He was taken to Dunedin Hospital where he underwent surgery.

Mr Hanna said the boy's injuries were not life-threatening but were serious.

"This was a cowardly unprovoked group attack on this young man and he has received serious injuries as a result," he said.

"It is believed that there was a party taking place nearby and there were a large amount of people in the vicinity of where the attack took place.

"At this stage the identities of the people involved in the assault have yet to be confirmed, however police are following a positive line of inquiry.

"We are interested in hearing from those who attended this party and also who witnessed this assault."

Anyone who has any information on the assault was asked to contact the Dunedin police on 03 4714800 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.