Police are investigating a violent incident outside a West Auckland shopping mall where a group of youths was filmed attacking a man.
Footage of a man being kicked while he lay on the ground was captured on camera and shared on social media.
Waitematā West Police Inspector Kelly Farrant said about 8pm on March 7, a group of men approached a group of young people smashing bottles on Railside Ave.
“One of the males was assaulted and this was witnessed by members of the public,” she said.
“Police arrived on scene and spoke with the victim who declined to make a statement to police or be treated further.”
Farrant said police carried out patrols around West City and found five youths aged between 8 and 13 and a 19-year-old male believed to be involved.
“The 19-year-old was arrested on an unrelated warrant to arrest,” she said.
“Due to their ages, the other young persons were transported home, and an investigation continues.”
A witness said the “little s***s” were ”attacking two old men”.
“One of them had a knife. Pretty sure the men they attacked are homeless,” they said.
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Almost 40,000 people became citizens last year, a 67% increase in Pacific Islanders.