Two attackers fled into the night after a group of ''Good Samaritans'' came to the aid of an assault victim whose wallet and cellphone were stolen in central Dunedin.
The incident occurred early last Sunday, Detective Mark Durant said.
Several people chased one of the attackers and retrieved the man's property.
The victim and a male friend were walking along George St about 12.30am when a female stranger approached them and asked the victim if he had her phone.
''After a short verbal exchange, she began assaulting him and a male has intervened and then also began assaulting [the victim],'' Det Durant said.
''He's then taken his [the victim's] cellphone and wallet and ran away.''
The male attacker fled down Albion Pl towards Great King St and several passers-by gave chase.
During the fracas, the female attacker also fled, Det Durant said.
The Good Samaritans caught the thief, but once the victim's property had been retrieved, the male attacker again fled.
The assailants knew each other, but neither knew the victim or his associate, Det Durant said.
The victim, who was punched in the face several times, suffered ''bumps and bruises and swelling'', but did not need hospital treatment.
The identity of the victim's helpers also remained a mystery. Police were keen to speak to them in the hope of finding the attackers, Det Durant said.
''Whoever chased him down will know who they are,'' Det Durant said.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who knew the identity of those involved was asked to contact Dunedin police on 471-4800.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.
