Man on life support after 21st party brawl

File photo / NZ Herald

A brawl outside a 21st birthday party in west Auckland early this morning has left six people in hospital, one in a critical condition.

A 22-year-old man has undergone surgery for a blood clot in his brain and is now on life support, TV3 reported.

Police said the man's condition was so serious that they were treating the incident as a "homicide scene".

Henderson police acting Senior Sergeant Chris Whitehead said officers were called to a large fight at approximately 2am in River Bank Road, New Lynn.

The brawl was quickly brought under control and eight people were arrested.

According to TVNZ, it is believed planks of wood may have been used as weapons.

The area of River Bank Road and Binsted Road remained closed today with cordons in place.

Police are appealing for information.

- NZPA