Man suffers life-threatening head injuries in attack

File photo / NZ Herald

A 24-year-old south Auckland man will need extensive rehabilitation after suffering life-threatening head injuries in an assault last month.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the assault in Pukekohe on the evening of August 1 last year.

The Otaua man left a relative's house on Sapling Place on foot about midnight, and was believed to be meeting up with friends in the area.

A short time later, members of the public found him unconscious on the road outside the block of shops at the intersection of Princess St and Beatty Rd.

Police said yelling had been heard outside the shops and people were seen running from the scene.

Two to four people, believed to be residents of the area, were thought to have carried out the attack. One of the people seen running from the scene was described as a male dressed in black.

Paramedics found victim was unresponsive and unable to breathe without assistance. He was hospitalised and put on life support.

The man was now in a rehabilitation unit where he will need extensive rehabilitation to be able to be independent again.

Police have appealed for information from anyone who may have seen the assault, or people in the area of the shops, around this time.

"It's going to be a long road to recovery for the victim of this senseless assault," Detective Kiley Dalbeth said.

"We want to identify the people responsible for this attack so that the victim can focus completely on his rehabilitation.

"We believe the offenders are local to the Pukekohe North area and we know that someone will know who they are ... We urge witnesses or anyone with any other information to come forward as soon as possible."

Anyone with information could contact police on 09 295 0359 or the Crimestoppers organisation, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.