'Vicious' serial attacker targets Auckland dairies

'Vicious' serial attacker targets Auckland dairies

Warning: This video contains images that may disturb some people.

Police have launched a manhunt for a serial attacker of dairy owners, who they believe is responsible for nine robberies in the past two months and that he's deliberately picking out each victim.

A prolonged attack caught on CCTV in south Auckland is being called one of the most vicious police have seen.

In the video, for a total of 41 seconds, the attacker unleashes a savage beating on his victim, who lies defenceless on the ground.

"It's a very brutal assault on a lone shop keeper. It's vicious," says Detective Inspector Fa'amanuia Va'aelua from Counties Manukau police.

"Blow after blow as the victim was on the floor - it was unnecessary."

The attacker eases off momentarily while he tries to pocket cigarettes, but soon resumes the onslaught.

Earlier, as he entered the shop, he's clearly seen holding a knife. The shop keeper broke the blade as he fended off the initial blows.

The owner of the shop says despite the brutal nature of the beating, he didn't suffer serious injuries.

He says this is the second time he's been targeted by thieves.

He only bought the shop in Papatoetoe after selling another business in Whangarei, where he was also robbed by a man carrying knife.

The attack happened on July 7 at a dairy on Carruth Rd in Papatoetoe.

Just over an hour later, the same attacker is believed to have robbed a Mobil station in Onehunga at gunpoint.

Two days ago, police believe he struck again at a dairy on Great South Rd in Otahuhu.

Two dairies in Manurewa and another in Point Chevalier have also been hit in the past week.

"I believe the same offender is linked to no less than nine different robberies across the Auckland area," Insp Va'aelua says.

Police want the public to help them catch the crook and they say the key to identifying him is a distinctive Pacifica-style tattoo covering his left forearm.

The shop just down the road was also hit on Tuesday, but by a different offender. Again, the assailant carried a blade.

Business owner Champa Patel says when she gave him money from the till, he demanded cigarettes.

Although she lost a few hundred dollars she says she feels sorry for her neighbours, who had to endure a far more terrifying ordeal.

Newshub.