A man was left with numerous injuries after being subjected to a violent “ambush” attack at an east Auckland beach.
A police spokesperson says the victim had been in the water at Maraetai Beach and was assaulted by two unknown men in an unprovoked incident when he came back to shore just before 9.30pm on January 19.
Police initially received a call from another person at the location at the time, but the victim left the area before officers arrived.
The victim has since reported the attack to police, who are investigating.
“Police can now confirm the victim in this incident has come forward and reported the matter,” the spokesperson says.
The incident was a topic of conversation on social media, with a relative of the victim saying the man who was assaulted was injured by two men in an unprovoked attack.
She says he suffered a broken and split nose, swollen cheeks, a split lip, damage to his knees and wrist, and broken ribs in the “ambush” attack.
The police spokesperson says police are not aware of a trend around such incidents happening near the wharf area in Maraetai, but the incident is concerning.
“Unprovoked incidents by their nature can be difficult to prevent, but we encourage people to be aware of their surroundings as a general rule.
“Report matters to us, whether it’s suspicious behaviour or if you are a witness to offending taking place.
“When reporting incidents to police, try to provide as much detail around offenders’ descriptions and what vehicles they may be travelling in.
“This information can assist attending police staff or our follow-up enquiries into an incident.”
People who witnessed the attack at Maraetai Beach on January 19 or have information on it can phone police on 105 and quote the file number 220120/5300.
Alternatively, phone the free and anonymous Crimestoppers tip-off line on 0800 555 111.
