A 17-year-old boy was in Dunedin Hospital yesterday with serious injuries after a vicious assault outside a party in North Dunedin on Saturday night.
Detective Sergeant Rob Hanna said the boy was approached by four or five males believed to be aged 16 to 18. The assault happened in Malvern St outside the party between 10.30pm and midnight.
The boy was kicked in the head and body even after he fell on the ground. He had a ''badly'' fractured jaw, suspected fractured ribs, and bruises and grazes, Det Sgt Hanna said.
He had surgery yesterday. His injuries were not life threatening.
''This was a cowardly, unprovoked group attack on this young man and he has received serious injuries as a result.''
Police believed there were a large number of people near where the attack occurred.
''We are interested in hearing from those who attended this party and also who witnessed this assault,'' Det Sgt Hanna said.
Police were following a ''positive line'' of investigation. Anyone with any information was asked to contact Dunedin police on 471 4800.
