Stunned cafe-goers watched a youth being chased around the Octagon by two others, before being kicked and punched unconscious inside a Dunedin food outlet yesterday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to Subway, on Princes St, shortly after 5pm, following a report of a fight between three youths, during which a 17-year-old was beaten unconscious.
Eyewitnesses told the Otago Daily Times that two youths began staring at the victim, before chasing him around the Octagon in front of cafe-goers before he sought shelter inside the restaurant.
One woman, who declined to be named, said one of the youths repeatedly kicked and punched the victim as he fell to the ground in front of shocked restaurant patrons.
Police arrested a 17-year-old male at the scene, and were looking for another person in connection with the assault.
St John staff attended to the victim on the floor of the restaurant, while police cautioned one of the victim's friends as he yelled abuse at the alleged offender, who was in the back of a car.
The man regained consciousness and was reported to be in a stable condition in Dunedin Hospital last night.
Senior Sergeant Steve Aitken said the altercation appeared to be a "total overreaction", by the alleged offender.
The youth is facing an assault charge, and is likely to appear in Dunedin District Court later this week.
"It is an exception to see something like this on a Sunday afternoon and police will not tolerate this sort of behaviour," Snr Sgt Aitken said.
