Police in Tauranga say there is a strong possibility the car passenger who threw a beer bottle which hit a woman in the face may only have been intending to litter.
Mary Loader was walking on Domain Road in Papamoa on Sunday morning when a partially-full glass bottle hurled from a passing car hit her in the face.
The 65-year-old was seriously injured and remains in Tauranga Hospital following reconstructive surgery.
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner says by now the person responsible is probably aware of the serious damage they have caused.
He says while the person may be scared of owning up, the consequences of them not coming forward would be far worse.
Mr Turner says while littering is obviously not okay, police need to talk the person who threw the bottle to establish exactly what happened.
Police are appealing for occupants of the car to come forward.
