Savage axe attack slashes early-morning fishermen

Police are looking for the offenders and another fisherman who spoke to the assailants about securing building work before the attack. Photo / Getty Images

Two men chatted pleasantly with the two fishermen next to them on a wharf north of Auckland, unaware they were about to become their victims in an unprovoked axe attack.

The Korean expats were enjoying an early-morning fishing trip at Ti Point Wharf in Leigh, 80km north of Auckland, on Wednesday before the brutal attack.

Police are looking for the offenders and another fisherman who spoke to the assailants about securing building work before the attack, which has left one of the victims needing specialist surgery for the damage to his face.

Detective Constable Jackson Shewry said the attack, which happened about 3am, was "very scary".

The Korean men are aged 30 and 28 and are both Auckland-based pharmacists who met as students in New Zealand.

Mr Shewry said the men were all fishing on the small wharf, a popular spot for night fishing, and were making small talk with one another into the early morning.

The victims heard their attackers give another lone fisherman their phone number and discuss securing building work through him.

The lone fisherman left the wharf and one of the victims went to his car to sleep, and was woken by one of the offenders knocking on the window.

"He got out of the car to find the offender holding a small axe and was told to hand over his keys and wallet," Mr Shewry said.

"Despite handing over his property, the offender then punched him around the head and face, before attempting to steal the car but crashing it into another parked car.

"The offender then got out of the car and assaulted the victim with the axe and at some point over the course of the assault the victim has lost consciousness."

The victim's friend came to his aid and was assaulted by both the original offender and his fishing companion.

"He was punched in the head and face and fell into a bush area."

Mr Shewry said the offenders fled in a five-door dark-coloured people-mover or station wagon.

The second victim found his friend lying on nearby rocks and phoned emergency services.

St John spokesman Robbie Walker said an ambulance went to the scene shortly after 3am and transported both men, one in a serious condition and the other in a moderate condition, to North Shore Hospital.

The first victim was then transferred to Middlemore Hospital for facial surgery.

Mr Shewry said the men were badly shaken from the attack.

"It was unprovoked. They were just down there minding their own business having a fish at their favourite spot and next minute they are getting beaten up and someone is trying to take their car. It is very scary.

"The first victim received serious facial injuries, including a fractured cheek and jaw, as well as a head wound and cuts to his hands and his upper legs." He is likely to require ongoing specialist treatment.

The second victim had cuts and bruises to his facial area and a possible fractured hand.

The attackers were described as Maori or Pacific Islanders. One was about 175cm tall, aged 25-35 and wearing a hooded sweatshirt and three-quarter-length pants. The other was 178-180cm tall and aged in his late 30s.

If you can help find them, phone Mr Shewry on 021-191-4085 or (09) 420-9732 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.