Police investigating a serious assault on a couple in the driveway of their Onehunga home on Saturday night are seeking sightings of their stolen car and a passenger seen travelling in it.
At around 9.30pm on Saturday night, the female victim had just pulled up into the driveway of her Mt Smart Road address, when she was approached and verbally abused by the offender. Her husband came outside and the offender attacked him and beat him unconscious. He then assaulted the lady, and she too was knocked unconscious.
The offender fled in the victims' car. Police are following strong lines of enquiry and are continuing to try to build a picture of the offender's movements.
Enquiries have established that within an hour of the attack, the offender and a male passenger (several pictures attached) have been involved in a further incident at the Z petrol station on the corner of Alfriston and Great South Roads, where they have deliberately driven into a car twice, which had a man, his wife and their children inside.
The stolen car hasn't been found and Police would like to hear from anyone who recognises the man seen in the passenger seat or anyone who has seen the car.
The car is a burnt-orange/ brown coloured 2004 Toyota Vitz with the registration HYT799.
"We're looking to identify the passenger. Whether he knows what has taken place an hour before is something we're obviously very keen to discuss with him and we'd ask anyone who might recognise him to contact us. We also need to speak to anyone who has seen this car. It could be dumped on the side of the road somewhere, or it could still be being driven. There are not huge numbers of these cars in this colour being driven across Auckland, and so if you've seen a car like this in recent days, particularly being driven in a reckless or suspicious manner, please let us know.
All information, regardless of how insignificant you think it may be, would be very gratefully received" says Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Newman, Auckland City Police.
The victims were both taken to hospital on the night with suspected broken jaws. Medical examination fortunately found no fractures, however the couple have severe bruising and black eyes and are recovering at home.
"They are a lovely couple and we are doing everything we can to support them. This was a very violent attack and we wish to reassure the community that we are fully committed to finding this offender as soon as possible, and we are following positive lines of enquiry" says Det Snr Sgt Newman.
Anyone who sees the 2004 Toyota Vitz should call 111 immediately. Information can also be given to Auckland Central Crime Squad on 09 302 6557.
Information can also be given anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Beth Bates/NZ Police
