Arrests in case of assault victim who survives against the odds

Two men were arrested in Auckland yesterday by officers investigating the near-fatal attack on a 23 year-old Papatoetoe man outside the Jet Bar in Auckland's Wyndham St at about 3.45am on Sunday, December 30.

One of the arrested men - a 27 year-old from Massey - appeared in the Auckland District Court yesterday afternoon charged with intent to injure, causes grievous bodily harm. He was remanded on bail to reappear on January 31. A 28 year-old security worker will appear today charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The assault victim was on life support for 10 days after the attack, which Police say was witnessed by several people. He is now off life support in Auckland Hospital and is reported to be making slow progress.

Detective Sergeant Phil Cox says there is clear CCTV footage of several witnesses milling about on the footpath outside the bar and in vehicles parked on the street at the time the alleged assault took place.

"This was a very serious incident where one man was set-upon by others and it could well have been fatal - possibly still could - so we want to hear from anyone who can assist us with details about how the incident unfolded.

"It may be that some of those witnesses are holidaying out of town, but we're uploading footage of some of them onto our district Facebook page [AucklandPolice] so they can view it wherever they are and contact us with their details and any information they may have."

Information can be sent to the Operation Jet inquiry team via e-mail - TCU.ak.central@police.govt.nz - or call 09 302 6656. Anonymous callers can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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