Good Samaritan beaten by group of 5 in New Westminster, police say

A photo shows the back of a New Westminster police officer's jacket. (Twitter, New Westminster Police Department)

Police in New Westminster are appealing for witnesses and information after a man was beaten by a group of five people last week.

Officers were called to the scene near the River Market around 9 p.m. on Oct. 30 and found a seriously injured man, the New Westminster Police Department said in a statement Monday.

“Police were told by people at the scene that the man was intervening when he had observed the group of three men and two women beating someone,” the statement from the department said.

“Witnesses shared that when the man came to the aid of the victim the group turned on him.”

The man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities added.

Police appealed to the person who was the initial target to come forward.

“We understand the other person who was attacked may be shaken and hesitant to come forward,” NWPD spokesperson Sgt. Andrew Leaver said.

“We want to hear from you. Your perspective is an important part of this investigation, and we want to make sure you’re safe.”

Anyone with information or dash-cam video from the area at the time of the assault is also urged to contact police at 604-525-5411.