A man was assaulted in Alice Springs last night after stopping to assist a child who had run out in front of his car.

The incident occurred on Flynn Drive just before 7pm last night. Police received a report that a man was being assaulted by a large group of people near the Flynn Drive supermarket. It appears the man was driving a Ford Courier utility north along Flynn Drive when a three-year-old boy ran out in front of the car. The driver stopped to render assistance, but was set upon by a group of people from a nearby residence.

Police were told the 32-year-old man was assaulted by a group of up to 20 people. He sustained facial, leg and arm injuries and was taken to hospital by ambulance. The child's mother took him to hospital where he was treated for grazes to the legs.

During the assault the man's Ford Courier utility was stolen, however, the offenders returned to the scene with the vehicle while police were attending a short time later. The vehicle was seized by police and four men were taken into custody. Two were released without charge following investigations, and two men aged 36 and 25 remain in custody.

Police are calling for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to call them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Media contact:
Theresa Kuilboer
8951 8825
0419 803 603