Second violent attack at Mt Albert liquor store in less than a year

An Auckland liquor store is beefing up security after it was stormed by violent offenders for the second time in less than a year.

Store manager Rahul Goyal has been attacked both times, most recently on July 31 when eight people rushed into the Super Liquor store he manages in Mt Albert.

As some grabbed bottles of hard liquor and cigarettes, a few set upon Goyal and punched him continuously around the face. He didn't know how many there were as he shielded his head.

"They were hitting me, I just blocked myself. I couldn't see how many were hitting me," he told the Herald.

"I didn't think anything. My mind was shocked. I was scared."

Mount Albert Liquor Store Manager Rahul Goyal who was a victim of a violent robbery at the store for the second time recently. Photo / Doug Sherring

Goyal was left with a black eye and cuts around his head. He had his wounds stitched in hospital.

Police arrested two of the alleged offenders within a couple of hours of the crime. But six remain at large.

Despite the second violent attack, Goyal insists he still feels safe coming to work because he's "used to it now". But he plans to hire a security guard.

Detective Senior Sergeant Marcia Murray urged the remaining offenders to hand themselves in.

"To those six offenders, I urge you to come forward to police now," she said. "This isn't going to go away and we are going to continue investigating until we identify you all.

"To family and whanau of these offenders, if you know they are involved please do the right thing and bring them into police because this is a violent crime and it can not continue. We need to talk to them now."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Avondale Police on 09 820 5784 or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.