Manhunt after peacemaker hit with axe

Police descended on Okaihau yesterday after a man who tried to break up a fight was hit in the head with an axe.

Remarkably, the victim suffered only minor head injuries and was allowed to go home after being treated at the scene by St John Ambulance staff.

The incident occurred about 2.45pm outside Okaihau Dairy and Takeaways, near the corner of State Highway 1 and Lake Rd.

Constable Eric Brown, of Kaikohe police, said two local men were having a physical altercation when a Top Energy employee, who happened to be in the area, intervened to break up the fight.

He was then struck with an axe, suffering a minor injury to the top of his head.

As of 5pm yesterday the men involved had not been caught but police had the names of two suspects. The investigation was continuing. Anyone with information should call the Kaikohe police station on (09) 401 2960.

Police were seen searching Lake Rd area for a vehicle thought to have been used by the offenders. The axe was found.

At least half a dozen Top Energy vehicles were parked at the scene with some of the staff clearly upset.

A company spokeswoman confirmed there had been an incident involving staff and that police were investigating.