A 28 year-old man is in Auckland Hospital in a critical condition, following an assault outside a Viaduct bar early this morning.
The victim and his friend had been drinking inside the Lenin bar, just off Quay Street. At around 5.20am the victim’s friend was ejected from the bar and the pair were outside. The assault occurred shortly after.
The victim was punched to the ground by one man, and Police believe he was then further assaulted by another man.
He was taken by St John Ambulance to Auckland Hospital in a moderate condition, but his condition then further deteriorated. The 28 year-old man has undergone surgery this afternoon for a head injury and is now in a critical condition.
“The victim is a foreign national who is in New Zealand on a work visa. Obviously because of the rugby and the fact that the Auckland Marathon was about to begin, there were lots of people out and about at the time this occurred” says Detective Inspector Chris Cahill, Auckland City Police.
“We have taken CCTV footage from the scene and are following several lines of enquiry, but would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the assault or who may have information that could help us” he says.
Anyone with information is asked to call Auckland City Police on 09 302 6557.
Information can also be given anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
An audio file of Detective Inspector Chris Cahill is available. Please contact Beth Bates to get a copy.
Beth Bates/NZ Police