Police are describing the two assaults in the suburbs of Milford Beach and Takapuna on the North Shore overnight as unprovoked, brutal and vicious.
Detective Sergeant Scott ARMSTRONG of the North Shore CIB says the level of violence used upon the four victims far exceeded what was needed to affect their purpose.
"It will be the will of the general community for these violent offenders to be apprehended wherever they are. Someone knows who these offenders are."
"Their peer groups or associates should share our outrage at these two crimes and overlook any loyalties they have to the perpetrators responsible."
"The status of two of the four victims has changed in the past few hours."
"The 20 year old female victim from the incident at Milford Beach is now in Middlemore Hospital with an orbital fracture to her right eye. She has other facial lacerations and a fractured finger. Plastic surgery will be required and it is likely she will remain in hospital for several more days."
"The condition of the 20 year old female victim from the incident in Lake Road Takapuna has deteriorated. She has been transferred to Auckland Hospital for neurosurgery. She has a compressed skull fracture and possible fractured jaw."
"The two 25 year old males remain in North Shore Hospital under observation."
"The male from the Milford Beach incident has internal head bleeding but will not require surgery. The male who was knocked unconscious in the Takapuna attack is also being treated for similar head injuries. Both men are expected to be in hospital several more days."
"Police are not ruling out that there is a link between the two separate attacks. If it is established that there is a link then this will be of real concern to us."
"We want anyone who was in the vicinity of either Milford Beach or Takapuna at about the time these two attacks occurred to contact us as soon as possible. The public can send information to our Offender Information TEXT LINE at 027 2727 669 - or - phone the North Shore CIB direct via 09 839 0600," said Detective Sergeant Scott Armstrong.
ENDS:
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager / Media Advisor
North Shore / Waitakere / Rodney Police District
12-14 Northcroft Street - Takapuna - Auckland
Phone 09 488 9758 - Extn 96308 - Mobile 027 281 0271
Email - kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz