Orewa Police investigating a vicious stabbing on the beach foreshore early Saturday morning, say a young Pacific Island man who received serious facial injuries in the attack will lose the sight of his left eye.
Police say that at 1.40am on Saturday 3 February 2007, the 26 year old victim arrived at the Orewa Police Station. The victim was bleeding profusely from about 12 stab wounds to his face, abdomen and back. The victim's various injuries were consistent with that caused by a knife, or similar sharp instrument.
A witness has told police that the victim was seen arguing with two individuals in a sector of the recreation area on Hibiscus Coast Highway opposite Riverside Road.
A brief altercation involving the three parties then took place less than 50 metres from the Orewa Police Station. During the altercation the victim was stabbed repeatedly.
The seriously injured victim was escorted to the nearby Station where he received medical attention from police staff. He was then transported by ambulance to Auckland Hospital, and later to Green Lane Hospital.
Detective Kevin Blackman of the Orewa CIB is investigating the stabbings and says there were two drink bottles found at the scene that had been recently purchased and used. These have both been sent to ESR for forensic analysis.
"We believe these bottles belong to the two individuals who were in the area at the time of the stabbings and we hope they will come forward so that we can further advance our enquiries," he said.
"Police have issued a description of the two persons of interest who they say may be able to assist them with further information about this stabbing incident.";
Male: -
Maori or olive skinned Caucasian
Age - 25 to 35 years
Height - 172-178 cms [5'10"] - solid build
Long dreadlocks past the shoulder - untidy
Male was wearing Blue Jeans only - bare chest
Female:-
Caucasian
Age - 23 years
Height - 5'4" - solid build
Long black hair untied
Wearing black, short sleeved top - possibly wearing a summer dress
"Both these persons were seen leaving the scene in a small black station wagon similar to a Mitsubishi Libero. This vehicle was earlier seen while it was parked on the Hibiscus Coast HIghway, close where the incident occurred."
"Emergency surgery to the victim's eye has been necessary. Specialists have determined that serious damage has been caused to his vision and he has been made aware he will lose his left eye."
"The young man has since been discharged from hospital today. He is devastated by what has happened to him. Victim Support, friends and family, have all rallied to support the young man in his ordeal."
"This was a "vicious unprovoked attack". We will certainly catch the person or persons responsible," Detective Blackman said.
If anyone has information on the identity or whereabouts of either of the two described persons, Detective Kevin Blackman, at Orewa Police will be eager to hear from you on 09 426 4555.
Ends:
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager / Media Advisor
Waitemata Police District
12-14 Northcroft Street - Takapuna - Auckland
Phone 09 488 9758 - Extn 96308
Mobile 027 281 0271
Email - kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz