Man arrested after assault of elderly man publicised on social media

An 18-year-old has been charged with assault after an elderly man was attacked at an Auckland Pak'nSave. Photo / Stephen Parker

An 18-year-old has been charged with assaulting an elderly man after a row in a supermarket.

The teenager turned himself into police after seeing publicity on social media about the attack at the Pak'nSave in Clendon, South Auckland, on Monday.

He has been charged with assault and released on bail to appear in the Manukau District Court next week.

The 74-year-old man was shopping at the Clendon supermarket when he saw four shoppers throwing items off the shelves and on to the ground.

After approaching them and asking them to stop, he was verbally abused and followed to the checkout, a family member posted on social media.

According to the man's son, the four suspects then continued to hurl abuse before bashing him, breaking the 74-year-old nose, and leaving him with face and jaw injuries

The victim, who suffered a broken jaw, is out of hospital and recovering from his ordeal.

He said he was chuffed to hear that an arrest has been made.

Sergeant Will Hamilton of Huntly police said that the arrest "was a fantastic result and demonstrates the power of modern media".

"This young man has succumbed to the pressure and has made the right decision to face the consequences of his actions.

"Police will take every opportunity to target and catch offenders."