A man was held and beaten during a prolonged assault in Dunedin, police say.
Three men attacked the 26-year-old man in Eglington Rd, near the intersection with Peel St, Mornington, about 2.50pm on Monday.
Detective Sergeant Rob Hanna, of Dunedin, said three men attacked the man for about two minutes in an assault which included blows to the head and face.
One of the offenders may have been holding some sort of weapon at the start of the assault, ''but the majority of the fight was without a weapon''.
''He was held at one point, so it was quite a vicious attack.''
The man's injuries, which included bruises and abrasions across his face, were not deemed to be serious and he was not taken to hospital.
''The result of the attack wasn't serious but that is good luck . ... you have three guys attacking one guy and it could have been potentially more serious than it was.''
The assault was not gang-related, Det Sgt Hanna said.
''We believe the parties were known to each other but we don't know exactly what [the assault] was over.''
The three offenders were believed to be aged in their 20s, and a female was seen in the car the group used to get away from the scene.
The car was described as red, possibly a Honda, driven in the direction of Mailer St.
The victim contacted police following the assault.
Police want to talk to anyone who may have witnessed the incident.
''We hope some witnesses can come forward.''
• Anyone with information was asked to contact police on 471-4800.
