POLICE are appealing for information after a 51-year-old man was assaulted while trying to extinguish a fire in Armidale.
Police said that about 9.40pm on Wednesday 7 August, the man was walking along Long Swamp Road when he noticed a small grass fire at the location.
He approached the fire in an attempt to extinguish the blaze and was confronted by two youths, who punched and kicked him in the head, causing him to fall to the ground.
While attempting to flee the location, the 51-year-old man was again struck to the head with a rock. The man was able to reach a nearby house, where he called Triple Zero.
Emergency services attended the location a short time later, where Fire and Rescue NSW personnel extinguished four small grass fires in the area.
The man suffered a fractured eye socket and laceration to his face that required several stitches, as a result of the altercation. He was taken to Armidale Hospital for treatment to his injuries.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident. They conducted an extensive search of the surrounding area, but the two young men were not found.
They are looking for two youths, who have been described as being Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander in appearance, aged about 15-17 years and were last seen wearing dark clothing and hooded jackets.
Police are continuing to investigate and urge anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
