7 Sep 2015

Victim fights for life after violent assault

3:45 pm on 7 September 2015

A 58-year-old Kaikohe man is in a critical condition in Auckland hospital after an assault that was videoed by family members.

Police found the man seriously injured outside a house in Fairview Road on Friday evening, and he was flown to Auckland for emergency surgery.

police car

Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

Police said two family members videoed the attack that caused his injuries.

A 51-year-old man faces charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Police are interviewing witnesses and family members.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston said they were fortunate that two members of the victim's family recorded the incident on their cell phones.

"The events are all captured clearly; it's fair to say that these recordings provide excellent evidence and have assisted us greatly in this inquiry."

Detective Senior Sergeant Johnston said the victim suffered a massive trauma to his brain, requiring the removal of parts of his skull to relieve pressure.