Man left critically injured after group assault

Police are investigating the incident. Photo / File

A fight over a taxi left a young man lying in the middle of a central Auckland road with critical head injuries at the weekend.

Police are still investigating a group assault against a 21-year-old man which occurred at the corner of Albert and Wyndham streets about 2.30am on Sunday.

The man was taken to hospital in a critical condition and is still recovering in hospital.

The area is littered with bars and nightclubs - most of which close about 4am - and police say the fight broke out over a taxi.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Marcia Murray said police were trying to locate relevant CCTV footage that would assist the ongoing investigation.

"We now know that the incident evolved after a small discussion about the availability of a taxi," she said.

"The victim of the assault is still in hospital and, although his condition has improved, he will require ongoing medical attention."

Shakespeare Hotel and Brewery duty manger Roderick Cortes said he looked out of the window to see the flashing lights of police cars and ambulances on Albert St shortly after the incident.

He could see one man lying in the street, with a group of what looked like friends surrounding him.

It's not the first time there's been a street fight in the area, with Mr Cortes ringing 111 a year ago when a brawl broke out in the early hours of the morning.

"I noticed one guy in the middle of the street, but I didn't even see how the guy looked or who it was," Mr Cortes said.

"I didn't even know it was a fight until [Sunday]. When I see there's fighting in the street, I call the cops. It's my responsibility."

Anyone with information about the people involved is urged to contact Auckland Police Central CIB staff on (09) 302 6557.