Young woman viciously attacked at party

The woman victim allegedly tried to get between two men fighting but was assaulted herself. File photo

A young woman was taken to hospital with a serious head injury early yesterday after a 21st birthday party in Hokitika turned violent.

Constable Neil Gillespie, of Hokitika police, said the vicious attack at a birthday party in the Seaview Hall just added to the violent behaviour in the town over the weekend, which also resulted in a hotel bouncer being beaten up when he refused two men entry to a local bar.

Mr Gillespie said the woman victim at the party had tried to get between two men fighting but was assaulted herself. She was taken to hospital in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries.

"Initially it was thought the victim was not going to pull through, however she is going to," he said.

No one had been arrested yet but inquiries were continuing.

It was one of a number of fights at the birthday party and Mr Gillespie said police were astounded at the behaviour of the drunken partygoers.

People were walking around "all over the place" with black eyes and other injuries. Too much alcohol was being consumed and no one at the party was taking responsibility.

"We turn up and have to pick up the pieces. There is no need for this type of carry on. People are supposed to be having a good time, not getting involved in scraps and assaults at celebrations."

The hotel bouncer had been set upon when two men, in their late 20s or early 30s, were refused entry "probably because they were drunk".

"While the bouncer did not need to be hospitalised, he got a good beating."

His assailants were arrested and locked up for the night.

- Greymouth Star