Woman dragged, son punched by thieves

A woman was dragged by a car and her 10-year-old son was punched in the face by thieves who stole the woman's bag and mobile phone in Hamilton today.

Police said the theft happened during daylight hours this morning just after the woman, of Asian descent, got back into her car near shops on the corner of Bryant and Te Rapa roads and tried to reverse out of her carpark.

Senior Sergeant Kevin Anderson of Hamilton police said her car was blocked by a vehicle with two men in it. She tried to move forward but the thieves reached into her car and took her bag and phone.

Mr Anderson said the victims then chased the thieves and grabbed hold of their car, a burgundy or maroon four-door-saloon.

"She has then been dragged a short distance along the road and her son, aged about 10, was punched in the face by one of the men. The thieves then sped off."

The woman was this afternoon being interviewed by police. Mr Anderson said they were following strong lines of inquiry.

He also praised bystanders, including a doctor, who rushed to the pair's aid.

NZPA