By 3 News online staff
A 24-year-old man is in a critical condition after he and a friend were attacked in central Napier overnight.
Police say around 2am this morning on Kennedy Rd, the man and his 22-year-old associate were walking home along Kennedy Rd when they were accosted by a group of males.
The 24-year-old was stabbed in the abdomen, causing lacerations to the bowel and stomach, and is on life support at Hawke's Bay Hospital.
He was also punched and kicked, receiving three broken ribs, facial injuries and head trauma.
Police are yet to locate the weapon used.
Soon after the attack, a member of the public came to his aid, and police investigating the case would like to speak with this person.
Police are also looking for a couple with a young child that walked past as the attack occurred, and a "well-dressed male" "who got into a small sedan motor vehicle a short distance from where the victim has been found and driven off toward the Marewa shopping centre".
The victim was separated from his friend soon after the attack.
Information can be passed to the Napier police on 06 8310700 or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
3 News