Tourist robbery and assault under investigation

Police in Rotorua are investigating the robbery of two tourists, one of whom was assaulted and required hospital treatment.

The 20-year-old Swiss man and his 26-year-old Korean girlfriend were parked up by hot pools on the Waiotapu Loop Road at approximately 3am this morning (Wednesday, 3 July) when a vehicle pulled up to the same location.

There were three to four men and two women in the vehicle, who have been described as rowdy and intoxicated. Some got into the hot pools and the couple felt uncomfortable with the situation and attempted to leave. As man left the hot pools he was struck over the head and assaulted.

The offenders then stolen possessions from the camper van and as they left the offenders tossed the camper van keys into the hot pools.

The tourists were able to retrieve the keys after which they drove to Rotorua Hospital who in turn contacted the Police. The woman was not harmed but the man required stitches to a cut to his head.

No further information on this incident is available at this stage as police are still working with the victims to obtain more details and to identify the exact location of the robbery. An examination is also being carried out on the camper van.

DSS Zane Smith said: "I am sure the community of Rotorua is as keen as I am to make sure that these offenders are arrested at the earliest opportunity."

Police are appealing to anyone who knows the identity of those responsible for this offence or knows the whereabouts of the missing property to contact Rotorua Police on 07 348 0099. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

ENDS

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