A Cromwell man who says he was ''viciously'' assaulted by three youths who attacked him from behind while he was searching for his teenage daughter warns not to judge the town's young people based on that incident.
His alleged attackers were a small minority and demonstrated the ''pack mentality shown by some young guys getting juiced up and getting angry, taking it out on someone'', he said yesterday.
The man, in his 40s, declined to be named, but confirmed he was the victim of an assault which police are investigating. Despite the incident, he insisted most Cromwellians were good people.
''I'm disappointed at what happened but Cromwell is a great place to live and the majority of people here are great.''
He still had bruises and cuts on his face yesterday after the Friday night incident. Friends, colleagues and acquaintances were ''totally stunned'' at what had happened to him, he said.
About 11pm on Friday he went searching for his daughter after she failed to respond to a text message - '' It's not that uncommon for a teenager ... She's not a bad kid''.
He knew she had been at a Monaghan St house earlier that evening so called in there, explaining to some of the young men at the house he was looking for his daughter.
He looked around inside and she was not there, so he left after ''a bit of discussion'' with some of the youths about his search for his daughter.
''They followed me out and then things got a bit less fun.
''Three of them attacked me from behind, so I didn't see them coming, and when I ended up on the ground, they kicked me and there were feet flying.
''It was vicious and I was kicked in the head.
''I got up as fast as I could and quickly took half a dozen steps away, blood pouring down my face and said: 'that's enough' and then made it to my vehicle and phoned the police.''
He was treated by St John staff for bruising and cuts and grazes to his face. His jaw was still tender yesterday, making it difficult to eat, but the cuts and bruising were superficial, he said.
''There's nothing that won't heal.''
The man found his daughter later that evening and she was safe and well, he said. He was ''freaked out'' by the unexpected and nasty attack on him by the youths.
''There was no need for what they did, fuelled up with drink.''
Sergeant Simon Paget said when police attended the Monaghan St address people had ''decamped''.
He could not speculate on what sort of party it had been, how many had attended, or if there had been any underage drinking taking place.
''Police inquiries are going on in order to identify these youths and speak to them.
''We ask anyone with information to call us at the station (03 445 1999) or use the Crimestoppers phone line (0800 555 111).
''We would definitely appreciate more information from the public,'' Sgt Paget said.
