Unprovoked attack in central Wellington

Wellington police are searching for three people involved in a

Wellington police are searching for three people involved in a "vicious and unprovoked attack" in the city early yesterday.

A 26-year-old man was attacked on Hutt Road, near the Aotea Quay on-ramp, about 3.40am, Wellington CIB Detective Sergeant Shane Dye said.

He was later found dazed and bleeding heavily near the bottom of Ngauranga Gorge.

Mr Dye said the man was walking home when he stopped to have a brief conversation with two men and a woman.

A short time later he was attacked from behind by the two men, who repeatedly hit him over the head with a bottle before stealing his wallet and cellphone.

The victim, found by a member of the public, was taken to Wellington Hospital to have his head wound stitched.

The male offenders were described as Maori or Polynesian, 20-24-years-old, of slim build and about 179cm tall. Both were clean shaven and tidily dressed.

The woman was about 167cm tall and of solid build.

Mr Dye said police would like to speak to anyone who has any information about the group.

- NZPA