Police investigating the death of a man in Lower Hutt say he was attacked twice before he was found on the side of the road last Sunday morning.
Jardin Whanga-Elliott was first beaten in Cleland Crescent where he was chased from a 21st birthday party.
The second assault happened in nearby Seddon Street, which is the focus of the police's investigation.
The 21-year-old died in hospital.
Detective Senior Sergeant Glenn Barnett said they believe there was a group of four or five who were present when Mr Whanga-Elliott was beaten.
"So we know that there must've been a group of people out there that have come across him and that it's lead to the assault on him and that's where he's been found.
"So it's vital that we get identify and get witnesses to come forward to let us know exactly who was out in Seddon Street."
Detective Barnett said broken fence pieces, beer bottles, and cigarettes were also found at the scene.
Police are also appealing for sightings of a red Mazda Familia in the area between 2am and 3am on Sunday.
