Kapiti police have released a graphic photo of an 87-year-old Waikanae man's bloody injuries as they continue to hunt for the teenagers who assaulted him.

The victim, was verbally abused, struck by a teenager and fell to the ground when he asked a group of teenagers to stop jumping in his carefully groomed macrocarpa trees on his Waikanae property.

The elderly man received serious injuries, lacerations to his face in several places and a fractured cheekbone in the attack which happened at 4.45pm on Saturday.

A neighbour came rushing over when she saw him lying on the road covered in blood, believing he was dead.

The teenagers, who were believed to be drunk, ran off into William St.

Detective Matt Campbell said police had received several helpful leads as they continued to try and track down the offenders but are releasing the photo in the hope of gaining more information so they can find  the offenders.

"The assault on an elderly resident protecting the sanctity of his home is a cowardly attack on a helpless frail old man.

"More than likely the offender is playing down his actions, minimising his culpability. Whether or not he describes is as a simple push does not detract from the fact an elderly man has suffered serious injuries as a result of this foolish act.

The suspect needs to be held accountable and come forward and speak to police," Mr Campbell said.

Anyone with information can contact Mr Campbell on 04 2966814.

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Email: kay.blundell@dompost.co.nz

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