Slasher comes within inch of hitting artery

The attack at the Sale St bar left Sam with deep facial wounds that require ongoing surgery. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

A young Aucklander came within an inch of his life when he was the victim of an unprovoked attack with a glass or bottle in an upmarket Freemans Bay bar.

The attack left the 24-year-old with deep facial cuts, one within 2cm of the carotid artery in his neck. Another wound broke his nose and left a cut that pierced so deep the glass almost reached his skull.

The man, who wishes to be identified only as Sam, told the Herald he was chatting with friends at the Sale St bar near Victoria Park Market when someone knocked into him on Friday, May 1.

"Then he headbutted me and then he hit me in the face with a bottle or glass."

Bleeding profusely, Sam was helped out of the bar but was hit a second time, again with a glass or bottle.

Police are not certain if they are seeking one or two men and are looking at the bar's security camera footage.

Sam, who works in the finance industry, has had surgery for his injuries and will need nose reconstruction in about six weeks.

"I'll definitely be more wary from now on," he said.

Sam's parents said they were shocked by the random nature of the attack, which occurred in a bar with a good atmosphere.

"It's not something that you ever want to happen," his mother said.

His father added: "It's a terrible thing to have to go through for a parent."

Sam said he just wanted his attackers caught.

"Obviously other people will know about it - the person or people who attacked me are unlikely to turn themselves in, but maybe their friends will know."

Sale St owner Luke Dallow said he had been in the hospitality industry for 18 years and had trained his staff to pick "at risk" patrons.

The offender by all accounts appeared to be a "regular Joe Bloggs", which made the attack all the more shocking, he said.

"He didn't set off any warning bells. It was totally unexpected, unexplained and utterly unacceptable. We work hard to provide a safe venue and we just want to see justice done."

Mr Dallow said he had been in touch with Sam's father since the attack and wished his son a speedy recovery.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sergeant Carl Lewens on (09) 302- 6656.

* The offender or offenders:

First assault: White male in his early 20s, 183cm (6ft) to 187cm tall with dark, short hair.

Second assault: White male, early 20s, short haircut, wearing light-coloured top with a jacket, possibly fair hair.

Police said the offender might have had a red mark or bruising on his forehead from the initial headbutt, and blood on his clothing.