KEY POINTS:
An elderly man had his eye socket fractured when he was attacked while out buying milk.
Austen Bell, 78, told the Herald yesterday he had no idea how he got home after the incident, which happened as he left Three Kings Foodtown on Sunday night.
Police are hunting his attacker, who punched him twice and left him lying unconscious in a pool of blood before stealing his car.
"I went up to get milk, a couple of litres of milk," the father of five and grandfather to 13, said.
"I got the milk, came out, went to the car and I was just putting my hands in my pocket to get the keys and suddenly there a voice beside me said, 'Give me your keys,' and bang, bang - I remember two distinct heavy blows and then I must have flaked out."
Mr Bell's wife of 53 years, Joan, and granddaughter Emma Clark, 15, said they were shocked when he arrived on the doorstep about 9.20pm with blood streaming down his face, still carrying the bottle of milk in a plastic bag, which was also covered in blood.
"Some good Samaritan gave me a ride home," Mr Bell said.
The family are mystified over who the person was and are keen to fill in the blanks.
Mr Bell said he had clearly directed the person to his home despite being "in a daze" with little recollection of the attack until about 2am yesterday, when he was allowed home from Auckland Hospital.
The full damage from the assault was not yet known but he could still see out of his left eye, which was so badly bruised and swollen it was almost closed.
Usually very fit and active, Mr Bell said he felt as if he had been "hit by 10 mules".
His silver 1995 Nissan Primera Camino was later involved in a petrol theft at a Mangere service station.
Police were still looking for the car last night.
In spite of the assault, Mr Bell was delighted with the fast and professional treatment he received from police, who he said recovered a knife from the scene.
Mr Bell said he was reluctant to do his shopping after dark.
"It just shows you how in this day and age you've got to be more vigilant.
"I purposely parked where I knew was a secure, well-lit position - that was my thought when I drove in there - but obviously it didn't work."
Detective Sergeant Brian Cameron would not confirm police seized a knife, stating "several items" were seized and it was not yet known if it belonged to the offender.
The supermarket's security footage was also being reviewed.
"It is a cowardly attack on a defenceless elderly man shopping at night," Mr Cameron said.
"The police are eager to apprehend the person responsible."
* Were you Mr Bell's "good Samaritan"?
The Herald would like to hear from you. Please contact Beck Vass on (09) 373 6400 extn 8693 or beck.vass@nzherald.co.nz
Can you help?
Missing car: Silver 1995 Nissan Primera Camino, registration AUR897. Anyone with information call Auckland police on (09) 302 6400.
