A police investigation has been launched in Whitianga following the serious assault of a man found in a ditch in Cook Drive at around 2am this morning.
Police say the area has been cordoned off for a scene examination and will impact commuters in the area.
Detective Senior Sergeant Graham Pitkethley of the Eastern Waikato CIB says the assaulted man is in a serious but stable condition after being flown to Auckland Hospital.
Mr Pitkethley says in the early hours of this morning, “A 111 call was made to North Comms about this time advising three to four people chasing a male south on Cook Dr towards Mercury Bay School.”
The incident has been described as very serious and Police are appealing for anyone with further information to come forward.