A man is lucky to be alive after a ''one punch'' assault in Dunedin late last night left him in a serious condition with a fractured skull.
Senior Sergeant Brian Benn, of Dunedin, said a 50-year-old man hit his head on the pavement after being punched once by his friend, a 54-year-old man, outside KFC on Kaikorai Valley Rd about 10.50pm.
He needed CPR before being taken to Dunedin Hospital by ambulance, he said.
Two friends had been to a Super Rugby match in the city and had frequented a hotel before driving home, Snr Sgt Benn said.
The driver stopped the vehicle, both men got out and the assault occurred.
''On the way home they got to arguing.
''They got out and decided to settle their differences.
''We go on a bit about the dangers of one punch and that is a good example,'' Snr Sgt Benn said.
The 54-year-old was arrested and charged with assault and would appear in the Dunedin District Court as a later date.
A St John spokesman said two ambulances were sent to the scene and they transported a man to hospital in a serious condition.
