Party brawl victim still critical

Caption: A young man badly beaten when a 21st birthday party turned ugly at the weekend remains in a critical condition. File photo / NZ Herald

A young man badly beaten when a 21st birthday party turned ugly at the weekend remains in a critical condition in Auckland Hospital.

Leighton Wayne Taylor, 22, has been in a medically induced coma with severe brain injuries since being attacked during a fight between partygoers and gatecrashers in the Auckland suburb of New Lynn on Sunday morning.

Police said that up to 50 people, some armed with pieces of wood, where involved in the brawl while others looked on.

Six, including Mr Taylor were hospitalised, and two 21-year-old men have been charged with assault.

Police are still speaking with witnesses and other arrests are expected.

It was still "half a day at a time" for Mr Taylor, police said today.

He was in a drug-induced coma to give his body the best chance of recovery.

His mother has been keeping a round-the-clock vigil at his beside since he was admitted.

- NZPA