Investigators at Te Atatu Peninsula examine the scene after the stabbing. Photo / Hayden Woodward
Investigators at Te Atatu Peninsula examine the scene after the stabbing. Photo / Hayden Woodward
Family members are praying a man recovers after he was stabbed outside his house in what a relative says was a cowardly late-night attack.
A relative said the 26-year-old staggered home, unaware he'd been stabbed when intervening to help a friend attacked late at night in West Auckland.
The relative said both men were returning home from a party after midnight on Saturday when a group of four gang affiliates followed and "jumped" the friend.
"They were kicking him on the ground. He lost his tooth. They were stomping him."
Blood from the stabbing was visible on Saturday after the attack. Photo / John Weekes
Blood was still present on the house's door and through the carpet on Saturday afternoon.
This was where the injured man entered before noticing a wound a few inches deep, the relative said.
"He said 'I got stabbed'. Luckily we reacted fast."
Emergency services were called about 1.15am. The man was hospitalised with serious injuries.
The relative said senior gang members must enforce discipline among their members and associates, to defuse neighbourhood tensions and set a better example.
"Gang members are supposed to be hard men - and they have to bring a weapon? Now the little shits go to other people's houses?"
He said the attack was dishonourable.
"We're civilians. We're not in any gang. They way you're pushing us, we're going to have to join a gang to protect our family."
But reconciliation was still possible, the relative said.
"I'm open to talking, not to the boys, but to their senior members."
