A man has been left "badly shaken" after three robbers jumped into his car and started beating him after he pulled his car over to send a text message.

Police are asking for the public's help to identify and locate the three men after the assault in the Christchurch suburb of Avondale on December 15.

The 40-year-old man was stopped in his car on Orrick Crescent at around 10.45pm last Friday night while he texted a friend, police said in a statement.

Two men opened the man's car door and punched him in the head.

A third man got into the back seat of the car and restrained the victim, while the other two men continued to beat him.

The offenders took the man's bag, which contained an iPad, iPhone, clothes, shoes, tools and CDs.

The man sustained facial bruising, as well as bruising to his arms, and sore ribs, police said.

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He has been badly shaken by the incident and is being supported by family and friends.

The man had left a dairy in Pannell Ave shortly before the incident, driving along Wainoni Rd towards Anzac Drive.

A dark blue or green people-mover was following him and overtook him when he pulled over on Orrick Crescent. It's not clear whether people from that vehicle were involved in the assault and robbery, however, police said.

Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time, as well as anyone along the route the victim travelled from Pannell Ave, Wainoni Rd or Orrick Crescent who may have CCTV footage that could help with the investigation.

If you can help, contact Christchurch Police on 03 363 7400 and quote file number 171216/3644.