League fan in coma after 'random' attack

Photo / Thinkstock

A 19-year-old man is fighting for his life in a drug-induced coma after being attacked while walking home from watching last week's State of Origin league match.

The Papakura man had been watching the game with friends and was walking along Jolson Rd in Mt Wellington about 3.20am when occupants of at least two cars began yelling at him.

One of the cars passed the teenager, who was walking with his girlfriend and a female friend, and pulled over ahead of them.

The attackers got out of the car and walked towards the friends and assaulted the man so badly he needed surgery to relieve serious swelling to his brain.

It isn't known how many assailants there were or if they used a weapon. Police believe it was a random attack.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tofilau Faa Vaaelua, of Counties Manukau West, said the man's girlfriend and her female friend witnessed the attack but were unable to help.

"They couldn't do anything, they were outnumbered," he said.

The 19-year-old had been drinking with friends while they watched the State of Origin league match on television late on Wednesday night.

He was about half way to the house he was staying at when two vehicles passed. One was a green or dark coloured Subaru station-wagon.

After the attack the man was rushed to Auckland City Hospital where he was operated on and is still critically ill in a drug-induced coma.

Mr Vaaelua said the man's girlfriend was traumatised and was at the hospital "willing him through".

She and the friend hadn't been able to give much detail and police were appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Meanwhile, Kaitaia police have begun a homicide inquiry into the death of a 54-year-old man who was found unconscious in a Kaitaia house on Monday morning.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition and died yesterday from his injuries.

A 31-year-old man has been charged with assault, but more serious charges may be laid.

CAN YOU HELP?

If you have any information about the Mt Wellington assault contact Counties Manukau Police on 09 261 1300 or anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.