Man charged after attack on elderly tourists in Hobsonville

Police have arrested and charged a man after an attack on two elderly people holidaying in New Zealand.

The 23-year-old man handed himself in after police made an appeal yesterday.

About 9am on Wednesday, August 20, police received a report of a person stealing a bag and assaulting two elderly people outside the front of Woolworths Hobsonville, a police spokesperson said.

One victim suffered serious injuries and was transported to hospital. A second person had minor injuries.

Waitematā West Area Investigations Manager Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting said the man handed himself in yesterday to the Henderson Police Station.

He has now been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and robbery, and will appear in Waitākere District Court today.

Bunting said it was an understandably terrifying ordeal for the elderly pair on holiday.

“We are continuing to support them until they return home.

“Like our community, we are appalled when violent offending takes place, and we will continue to hold those responsible to account.”