Hawke's Bay police are investigating the second assault on a young male in Napier in as many days after a teenager walking through suburban Tamatea was punched from behind without warning.
It came a day after a 12-year-old boy visiting from Tauranga was assaulted near a riverbank cycleway in Taradaleby a man who had been cycling by.
The man took exception to the boy calling out a greeting to him.
The latest incident happened yesterday about 5.45pm as the 17-year old was walking along York Avenue towards Wharerangi Road.
A police spokesman said the teenager had headphones on listening to music and had no indication his attacker was approaching.
The offender was described as about 17, with brown skin and medium length hair - and stood out as he was shirtless.
Police said they were concerned at the "random and cowardly" nature of the attack.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or may know who the offender is can contact Hawke's Bay police on 06 837 0100 or anonymously on Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police are still seeking the man, aged in his 40s or 50s, who carried out the assault on the 12-year-old.
