Kaitaia Police are seeking the public¡¯s assistance in an ongoing investigation into a serious assault on Friday morning.
Police were called after two members of the public were assaulted outside the PAK¡¯nSAVE in Kaitaia on 17 November.
Detective Sergeant Russell Richards says the initial incident unfolded inside the supermarket before 11am.
¡°Two men, one of whom was wearing a gang patch, were arguing in one the aisles.
¡°Team members intervened and both parties moved on. However, a short time later an associate of the man wearing the patch has arrived at the supermarket.
¡°It¡¯s at this point that the associate has approached two members of the public not connected to the initial incident and began to assault one of them.¡±
The male victim was knocked unconscious.
Detective Sergeant Richards says thanks to brave intervention from supermarket team members and members of the public, the assault was brought to a stop.
¡°If it¡¯s not for this action, the offender¡¯s cowardly act could have resulted in a far worse outcome.
¡°Police and ambulance staff were called to the scene, with the victim transported to hospital. He is understandably shaken, and is recovering.¡±
The offender had left the area, but Police are following good lines of enquiry.
¡°Police have examined CCTV footage of everything that has taken place,¡± Detective Sergeant Richards says.
¡°This is an appalling display of violence and it has no place in our community.
¡°Police are committed to holding those responsible to account for their actions, and I¡¯m calling on anyone who has not yet spoken with Police to assist our investigation.¡±
Anyone with information to assist the investigation is asked to contact Police on 105 quoting the file number 231120/9056.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/51½ÖÉä