Kaikohe man critical after bashing

Police are investigating a serious assault in Kaikohe on Friday night.

A 58-year-old Kaikohe man is fighting for his life in Auckland Hospital following a serious assault in the town on Friday evening.

Police were called to a Fairview Road address at 5.30 pm where the victim was located outside and in rapidly deteriorating condition.

He was taken to Whangarei Hospital by ambulance and later flown to Auckland Hospital for emergency surgery.

The 51-year-old alleged male offender was still present and has since been interviewed and charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Detectives are today interviewing several witnesses and family members as well as completing their scene examination.

They have also received two video recordings of the incident.

The officer in charge of the inquiry, Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston, said police were extremely fortunate that two members of the victim's family had the good sense to video record the incident on their cell phones.

"The events are all captured clearly. It's fair to say that these recordings provide excellent evidence and have assisted us greatly in this inquiry."

The victim remains in a critical condition following surgery on Saturday and Sunday.
Police will conduct further inquiries in the area today and encourage any witnesses to contact the Kaikohe Police on (09) 405 2960.