KEY POINTS:
A man has been charged with the manslaughter of a 61-year-old man who died after being attacked at a bus stop over the weekend.
Graham Wallace Arcus was walking home along Manukau Rd just after 9pm on Saturday when he was assaulted by one of five men at the Watchman's Lane bus stop.
He had been at a prayer group at Royal Oak Baptist Church on nearby Symonds St. He died in Auckland Hospital at 6.45am on Tuesday.
Police said a 24-year-old man was formally charged with Mr Arcus' manslaughter this morning and would appear in Auckland District Court later today.
He had been located at his Mangere home last night.
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Cramer said news of the arrest had been well-received by Mr Arcus' family who had found "the tragic ordeal of his sudden death very difficult since he was attacked".
"The assistance we received from witnesses over the past few days has enabled us to progress this inquiry at considerable speed and we and the family are very grateful for that," Mr Cramer said.
Police said the attack, which happened only about 800m from Mr Arcus' home, was unprovoked and robbery was not a motive.
The Arcus family said in a statement issued through the police that they were "encouraged" by the announcement of the arrest and "are now having to learn about the judicial processes involved in such matters".
The family said they were heartened by the support from friends, police, church affiliates and the public and now wanted some privacy.
Mr Arcus has been described by friends and family as a devout Baptist and a "pillar of the community".
- NZHERALD STAFF
