Cellphone video captures serious assault in Kaikohe

Detectives are today interviewing witnesses and completing their scene examination. Photo / File

Video taken on cellphones could hold the key to a police investigation into a serious assault that's left a 58-year-old fighting for his life in Auckland Hospital.

Police were called to a home on Fairview Rd in Kaikohe at 5.30pm on Friday to find a local man outside in "rapidly deteriorating condition".

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

He had a number of operations over the weekend after suffering massive trauma to his brain that required the removal of parts of his skull to relieve pressure.

A 51-year-old has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Detectives are today interviewing witnesses and completing their scene examination.

Office in charge, Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston, said police were extremely fortunate that two members of the victim's family had the sense to video the incident on their 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."

Further witnesses are urged to contact Kaikohe Police on (09) 405 2960.