Three teenagers are facing serious assault charges after a 42-year-old man was attacked in an Invercargill square.
Police said a group of six or seven offenders laid in wait in Russell Square before setting upon the man without warning early on Sunday.
The man suffered serious facial injuries, including a broken nose and fractured eye socket, after he was knocked to the ground and repeatedly kicked and punched.
A member of the public who went to the victim's aid was tackled to the ground and hit with a bottle.
Detective Scott MacKenzie today said public information had led to the arrest of three Invercargill men in relation to the assault.
Two 19-year-olds and a 17-year-old will appear in Invercargill District Court today charged with injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Mr MacKenzie thanked the public for their assistance, saying the information they provided had been crucial to the arrests.
Police are still appealing for any further information from anyone who might have been in the area at the time or knew about the assault.
