A man was stabbed in the neck after intervening in an altercation in central Auckland.
He received "significant injuries" near the Pitt St Methodist church on Sunday afternoon.
Police say the victim had just intervened in an altercation between the offender and another man on Karangahape Rd at about 3pm. The offender was verbally abusing the man, who was preaching outside St Kevin's Arcade, and the victim asked him to stop.
After the altercation, the victim and his friend walked down Pitt St. They were followed by the offender who confronted them near the church car park, stabbed the victim in the neck and fled the scene.
"This was a violent attack where the actions of the offender far outweighed the minor altercation that lead to the attack, and he needs to be held to account," says Detective Senior Sergeant Lloyd Schmid from the Auckland City Crime Squad.
Police are appealing for information about the offender, and have released photos and video of a man believed to be the suspect walking in a nearby park.
They also want to hear from anyone who witnessed the altercation outside St Kevin's Arcade.
Witnesses can call the Auckland City Crime Squad on 09 302 6557, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Newshub.
