Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding how a 24 year old Otaua resident sustained a severe life-threatening head injury as a result of an assault.
On 1 August 2014 the man was at a relative’s address on Sapling Place, Pukekohe. He left on foot at around midnight. It is believed that he was heading to meet up with friends in the area.
Shortly after leaving Sapling Place and not long after midnight, he was found unconscious on the road outside the block of shops situated at the intersection of Princess Street and Beatty Road, Pukekohe, by members of the public.
Prior to him being located, yelling was heard outside the shops and people were seen running from the scene.
Police believe that he was attacked by 2–4 people who are believed to be residents in the area. One of the people seen running from the scene was described as male and dressed in black.
Paramedics attended the scene but the victim was unresponsive and was not breathing without assistance. He received machine based assistance to breathe once at hospital.
He is currently in a rehabiliation unit where he needs extensive rehabilitation to be able to be independent again.
Police are appealing for information from anyone who may have seen the assault on the victim or seen people in the area of the shops around this time.
“It’s going to be a long road to recovery for the victim of this senseless assault,” says Detective Kiley Dalbeth. “We want to identify the people responsible for this attack so that the victim can focus completely on his rehabilitation.
“We believe the offenders are local to the Pukekohe North area and we know that someone will know who they are. Anyone with information can contact the organisation Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
“We urge witnesses or anyone with any other information to come forward as soon as possible.”
Detective Kiley Dalbeth can be contacted on 09 295 0359. Police encourage anyone with information to contact the organisation Crimestoppers to report information about crime anonymously on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Kimberley Mathews/Communications Manager, Counties Manukau Police
021 192 0717