The property was cordoned off yesterday as forensic investigators combed the scene of an incident that left two men in hospital. Photo / Hayden Woodward
The property was cordoned off yesterday as forensic investigators combed the scene of an incident that left two men in hospital. Photo / Hayden Woodward
A man who was critically injured during an attempted van theft has died in hospital.
The alleged thief and his accomplice were confronted by the van's owner and involved in an altercation which left the owner and one of the alleged thieves in hospital.
The man was critically injured duringthe incident on Te Atatu Rd, in West Auckland at the weekend. He died today in hospital, police said.
"His death will be referred to the Coroner and police's thoughts are with his family," Detective Senior Sergeant Kim Libby, Waitemata CIB, said.
"At this stage, police are not in a position to confirm his identity.
After an altercation the alleged thief and van owner were taken hospital.
Neighbours told the Herald they heard glass smashing and car tyres spinning as a getaway driver fled, leaving his alleged accomplice fighting with the owner of a van they are thought to have been trying to break into.
The injured man was taken to Auckland City Hospital, with police initially saying he had a critical head injury. But they now say it's not clear why the man lost consciousness. The second alleged thief has not been found.
The owner of the van was taken to Waitākere Hospital in a moderate condition, but was discharged on Sunday.
