Police appeal for information after teenager attacked in Edgecumbe

A boy in his mid-teens is the victim of a prolonged and violent assault, police say.

Police are seeking information from the public after a teenager was the victim of a "prolonged and violent assault" in Edgecumbe earlier this week.

The attacker has been described as a man aged between his 30s and 40s and of large build.

The incident took place at Riverslea Mall near the toilets on late Tuesday afternoon, Senior Sergeant Tristan Murray said.

"A boy in his mid-teens, who was with another group of boys, had been subject to a prolonged and violent assault which left him with serious injuries.

"He was taken to hospital for treatment and has now been discharged.

"Police investigating the assault are seeking information from the public as to what happened."

Murray said anyone who saw the assault or who can provide information about a person of interest was being sought.

The attacker is described as Māori or Pacific Islander, between 30 and 40 years old, of large build, with a beard and wearing a yellow high-vis jacket.

"Information can be passed to police via 105, quoting file number 220607/6363," Murray said.

"Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111."