A 15-year-old nearly died in Canterbury on Saturday after a group of youths allegedly held his head under water during a robbery.
The teen had been at a fireworks show in Foster Park, when four youths confronted him on Tennyson St, Rolleston, and demanded he hand over his cap, NZME reports.
When he refused, they brutally assaulted him in a frenzied attack, punching and kicking him over and over. Then they dragged him to a water drain and held his head under water.
"Drown him!" the group allegedly chanted while the young man struggled, believing he would die.
He managed to escape, and was taken to Christchurch Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
"Police are investigating this incident and following strong lines of enquiry," a police spokesperson told Newshub.
"Anyone with any information on the incident is encouraged to contact Christchurch Police as soon as possible."
Newshub.
