Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Chris Goldsmith, Waitakere CIB
Waitakere Police have released CCTV footage depicting the brutal, serious assault of a 20-year-old man, in an appeal to the public for information leading to the identity of the offenders involved.
The footage shows a violent, physical altercation between two parties and ends in one victim receiving serious head injuries after he was struck unconscious with a piece of wood.
The incident took place around 11pm on the evening of Tuesday 23rd January on Oates Rd, Glen Eden where a fight broke out between two sets of two males.
Detective Sergeant Chris Goldsmith from Waitakere CIB says police are yet to identify the two male attackers involved following several lines of enquiries since the incident occurred.
“This is a particularly vicious and cowardly attack on a male who continues to be struck in the head with a plank of wood, despite lying unconscious on the ground,” says Detective Sergeant Goldsmith.
“We know some people may find this footage hard to watch, but the victim and his family have given their support for police to release the footage with the aim of identifying those involved.
“We had to leave out the last part of the footage as it was too graphic to show, however the offender strikes the victim in the face while on the ground in what easily could have resulted in a fatal blow.
“We are determined to find these men and hold them to account over this shocking attack. We know this footage is quite grainy, but there are people out there who know who was involved and will recognise these offenders. We urge them to do the right thing and contact Police.”
Detective Sergeant Goldsmith says the main offender is described as Polynesian ethnicity with a large afro hairstyle. He is described as being six feet tall (1.82m) and has a large build.
The second offender is described as being Maori or Polynesian, around 1.75m tall, of fit/muscular build and wore a white t-shirt.
The two offenders ran off on foot towards Captain Scott Rd immediately after the incident.
The main victim received serious facial injuries in the attack and is having to undergo facial reconstructive surgery in hospital, while his associate was also hit in the arms and legs with pieces of wood.
Anyone with information that may be able to assist our enquiries is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Chris Goldsmith on 09 839 0600.
Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Nick Baker/NZ Police
Media note – The CCTV footage can be found on the North Shore, Rodney and West Auckland Police Facebook page.
