A man who was thought to have suffered life-threatening injuries in Māngere after a fall was assaulted, police say.
Emergency workers were called to the Māngere Town Centre around 3.40am on Sunday to find a man critically injured. St John initially reported the man had been hurt in a fall. However police now say they believe the man was attacked.
He was taken to Auckland City Hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.
They have not confirmed whether or not a fall was involved.
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"We are continuing to ask anyone that was in the area at the time and witnesses the incident to contact Police on 105," a statement from police said. "People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
It was the second serious assault in the suburb in 24 hours. At 3.50am on Saturday a man was assaulted on nearby Naylors Drive.
The victim, aged 31, was taken to hospital in a critical condition and has since died.
Two men aged 20 and 23 were arrested and charged over that incident and were to appear in court today, while a third man was still being sought.
Police have since upgraded the assault investigation to a homicide and said they may lay further charges.