Man seriously assaulted after party – police

A 45-YEAR-OLD man is in a serious condition in hospital and another man half his age is in police custody after an assault following a party at Gunnedah, police say.

The older man and two women were leaving a party in Kamilaroi Rd, Gunnedah, when they offered a fellow guest – a 22-year-old man – a lift home about 12:20am today (Wednesday).

Police allege an argument began after a short period of travel and the female driver stopped the vehicle on Bloomfield St,

The 45-year-old male passenger then asked the 22-year-old man to alight from the car.

The older man was allegedly assaulted and a struck a number

The female passenger got out of the vehicle to go to the 45-year-old’s aid, while the driver left to seek assistance.

It’s alleged the female passenger was pushed aside by the younger man before he punched the older man a number of times again and fled the scene.

Police and ambulance were called and the older man was treated for head injuries before being taken to hospital.

He remains in a serious condition, police say.

The 22-year-old man was arrested a short time later and charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm with intent and common assault.

He was refused bail and will appear in Tamworth Local Court later today.