Man critically injured in bashing

A 51-year-old man was taken to hospital in a critical condition early yesterday after being bashed in the head with a metal bar.

Police said he was assaulted at a house in Bremner Ave, Mt Roskill, between 5am and 5.30am.

His alleged attacker phoned for an ambulance and there were initial concerns the man would not survive.

But late last night Auckland City Hospital said his condition had improved to serious but stable.

Detective Sergeant Andy King said the men were known to each other and it appeared that an argument led to the assault, in which the victim suffered a "serious blow" to the head with a metal bar.

A 42-year-old man has been charged with assault and will appear in the Auckland District Court today.

Meanwhile, a man in his 40s was assaulted in a domestic-related fight in Glen Innes on Saturday night.

He was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition with injuries to his head and face. Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Beard said no weapons were involved.