Police confident over bashing

Police are confident an attack that left a Palmerston North man with serious head injuries will be resolved by next week.

Landscaper Jonathan Thompson, 23, was attacked by a single person on the Church St side of The Square, near the Turkish Delight kebab shop, about 2.30am, on Sunday.

He underwent two rounds of surgery for head injuries, and is recovering in Wellington Hospital. The person who caused Mr Thompson's injuries is still at large.

Detective Sergeant Dave Clifford said several people had seen the attack, which took place at a busy time of the morning.

"We are interested in talking to a chap who assisted the victim and told a person there that he was an off duty trainee paramedic named Grant."

Mr Thompson's grandmother, Ngaire Dellabarca, said he was to be transferred to Palmerston North Hospital yesterday, but did not because of a lack of beds.

She said Mr Thompson was doing "fine", and had started to get some memory back.

She hoped he would return to Palmerston North today.

Anyone with information can contact Mr Clifford at the Palmerston North police station on 351 3852.

- © Fairfax NZ News