Video footage appearing to show an Auckland security guard knocking a man unconscious outside a central Auckland restaurant has sparked a police investigation.
The video shows the guard punching a man to the ground outside Mexican Cafe on Victoria St West on Saturday, February 27, following a verbal altercation.
It is currently unclear what happened in the minutes before or after the incident.
Mexican Cafe general manager Matthieu Ferragati said the restaurant has replaced its security company following the incident.
"I do feel terrible for the victim and I hope something like this will never happen again," he told the New Zealand Herald.
"The owner [of Mexican Cafe] is totally shocked. We've been here since 1983, it's almost 38 years, this is the first time [we've] seen something like this."
He adds he has spoken to the victim, who is "okay".
Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Anderson confirmed a serious assault happened in the early hours on February 27.
"Police are asking anyone with information about the incident, or who knows who may be involved, to contact us on 105 quoting file number 210227/7884. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
Police are currently working to identify and locate the person who is responsible for the assault, Det Snr Sgt Anderson said. This will include talking to witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage.
