Christchurch police are investigating an early morning attack outside the Sikh worship building in Woolston.

At 6:00 AM on Wednesday, a religious worker, was about to open the gate of the Gurdwara Singh Sabha Christchurch premises on Ferry Road, when he was confronted by three unidentified men.

New Zealand Sikh Society South Island spokesperson Jitender Sahi told Chris Lynch the men tried to snatch something off the worker.

“We’re unsure what they wanted, but suspect they were probably after his wallet.”

A scuffle occurred for less than a minute before two of the men fled on foot into Woolston Park, which is opposite the building.

The other offender ran down the road.

During the attack, the victim suffered a fractured hand.

Mr Sahi said the victim, who was in shock, called his wife who took him to the hospital.

The attack was reported to the police and video surveillance of the incident was also handed over.

The New Zealand Sikh Society South Island is urging its members to be vigilant especially when it is dark.

On a Facebook post it said it is working with the Christchurch City Council to get more lighting near the gate of the Ferry Road Building.

A police spokeswoman confirmed they received a report of an assault and are investigating.

“Enquiries include the circumstances and motivation behind the assault.”

The spokeswoman said “at this stage there is nothing to suggest it was racially motivated.”