New Lynn train station assault: Man robbed, teen arrested

A man was attacked and robbed by two young people in a “cowardly assault” after he got off a bus at New Lynn train station last night, police say.

The violent incident comes after a 15-year-old boy was hospitalised after a gang of youths attacked him and took his shoes at Avondale train station on Sunday afternoon.

The group had earlier boarded the train at New Lynn station, about 2km away.

In last night’s incident, the man was followed off the bus by a group of young people after it arrived at the West Auckland transport hub about 11.30pm, said Detective Senior Sergeant Josh Lautogo, of Waitematā CIB.

“[Then] he was allegedly set upon by two people in the group. After assaulting the victim, they have taken a watch he was wearing and fled on foot.”

Police were sent to the scene, including a dog handler, Lautogo said.

“The police dog has begun tracking one of the alleged offenders and he was located in the nearby area. The 16-year-old male was taken into custody.”

Police were “following positive lines of inquiry” to find a second male involved, Lautogo said.

“This was a cowardly assault and the violent behaviour exhibited last night will not be tolerated.”

The victim was taken by ambulance to Waitākere Hospital for observation, but did not have serious injuries.

Anyone with information should contact 105 online or by phone, quoting the reference number 250806/9635.

In the Avondale incident, the young victim suffered moderate injuries.

In a Facebook post, he could be seen with injuries to his head and eyes.

Police are investigating the incident, which was about 1.30pm near a walkway that leads to Blockhouse Bay Rd.

Cherie Howie is an Auckland-based reporter who joined the Herald in 2011. She has been a journalist for more than 20 years and specialises in general news and features.