Axeman stays behind bars

A man said to have terrorised a South Auckland community with an axe has been remanded in custody until Monday.

The 29-year-old man was believed to have mental health issues and when he appeared in the Manukau District Court today on an assault charge.

The court was told that by Monday it would be known what institution he would go to for assessment.

Police said they would seek a further remand in custody on Monday and more serious charges would be laid, after an elderly couple was attacked in their home in Mangere Bridge about 8.30am yesterday.

After the attack the man was taken into a home of the victims' neighbours and given a cup of coffee until the police arrived.

Police said when the charges had been laid the court would decide if he was in a fit mental state to stand trial.

The 73-year-old woman had moderate injuries and her 75-year-old husband had serious cuts to his head.

- NZPA