Police say it appears an argument between two groups escalated into a brawl and led to a man's savage beating by up to 20 people in central Dunedin.
Howver, investigationg officers say it could still be several days before police work out exactly what happened when the man was attacked in the early hours of on Sunday.
The 30-year-old was set upon by up to 20 people - one was carrying a machete or similar weapon - in a central city car park about 1am on Sunday.
The victim is expected to be discharged from Dunedin Hospital this week, after surgery for his injuries.
Detective Sergeant Rob Hanna, of Dunedin, said police were still trying to locate some of those involved, but so far it appeared there had been a verbal altercation between two groups that had escalated into a brawl.
The victim fell and was kicked.
Interviewing all those involved could take days, Sgt Hanna said.
