Police have praised the actions of up to four "good Samaritans" who came to the aid of a liquor store shopkeeper after he was assaulted by a man with a knife.
The incident, which occurred this afternoon at a store at the intersection of Fort and Commerce Streets in downtown Auckland, resulted in the shopkeeper sustaining head injuries.
He is now being treated at Auckland Hospital.
The "good Samaritans," described as male Polynesians in contractor-type clothing, are believed to have disarmed the offender who allegedly pulled a knife on them while ensuring the injured shopkeeper was safe.
The men left the scene prior to police arriving.
Police said they would like to hear from these men who are believed to have left in a vehicle similar to a silver Toyota Previa, also described as a people-mover type vehicle.
They would also like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the assault. A 25 year old man is in custody and will appear in the Auckland District Court tomorrow on assault charges.