Police are investigating after a man was assaulted and left injured by a hitch-hiker he picked up in Hawke's Bay last night.
Senior Sergeant Nick Dobson said a member of the public came across the man lying on the side of State Highway Two at Whakai just before 11pm.
Mr Dobson said the hitch-hiker took the victim's white 2005 Nissan Wingroad.
The hitch-hiker is described as a Māori man, in his 40s, possibly with a tattoo on his face.
Police want to hear from anyone who has seen the car or knows who the hitch-hiker is.
The victim remains in Hawke's Bay Hospital.
