Early morning assault in South Auckland

The man has had an operation to treat a serious head injury and some of his family are gathered by his bedside.

Police are investigating the incident, which happened outside Denny’s restaurant in Manukau about 3.20.

A 36-year-old man is in critical condition in hospital after reportedly being assaulted by a group of men in South Auckland.

A wide cordon remains at the Denny’s restaurant in Manukau after an early morning attack.

Mr Vakaruru says it appears the victim suffered a “king hit blow to the head” moments after being challenged to a fight outside Denny’s by a group of strangers.

The victim’s condition is so serious his mother is flying to New Zealand from her home in Australia to be by her son’s side.

The friend says the victim was hit and fell to the ground and the attackers ran off.

Police are examining security camera footage to help them find the assailant who knocked out an Auckland man yesterday morning.

“We are also appealing to the three to five Pacific men as well, to come forward and help with our inquiries into the matter”. You can contact Counties Manukau Crime Squad on 09 261 1321 or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.