Warning: This video contains graphic violence.
Police have released CCTV footage of a horrific attack in Auckland central on Saturday May 6.
Footage of the attack screened on Police Ten 7 on Thursday night, after Police initially chose not to release the video because of the "very graphic" content.
The distressing video shows two people lying helpless on the ground as a group of men violently attacks them at approximately 2:30am on Saturday near the Mecca Maxima store on Queen St.
Auckland Police are looking for eight men involved in the attack that Police Ten 7 host Detective Sergeant Rob Lemoto described as "cowardly and ruthless".
"We know our community will be absolutely shocked by this crime - two innocent members of our community simply having a night out when they were attacked," said Detective Constable Tom Malcolm of the Auckland City CIB.
"Given the random nature of this attack we believe this could have happened to anyone so it is important we identify these offenders and hold them to account as soon as possible."
Auckland Police are asking members of the community to come forward with any information about the incident in order to "identify these offenders and hold them to account as soon as possible."
Police said the victims were incredibly fortunate to have survived the attack.
Contact Detective Constable Tom Malcolm on (09) 213 8683 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Newshub.
