Teen charged with manslaughter after security guard felled, fatally injured at Countdown

Countdown Papakura Photo/File

A teenager who allegedly assaulted a Countdown security guard, who died a day later from his injuries, has been charged with manslaughter.

The Herald revealed that the guard was assaulted in the Papakura Countdown store yesterday and died early this morning.

The guard, who had worked at the store for eight months, was allegedly felled by a single punch to the head by the youth when he approached him, suspicious of his behaviour.

The incident was captured on CCTV and happened in front of a number of shoppers at the store.

Counties Manukau South area commander Inspector Dave Glossop confirmed police were investigating the death.

"On May 2, police were made aware of an incident at a supermarket in Papakura where a security guard was assaulted," he said.

"The victim was taken to Middlemore Hospital but sadly died in hospital early this morning from his injuries.

"Police have arrested a 17-year-old male in connection with the assault and our enquiries are ongoing.

"We cannot rule out the possibility of charges being laid."

Glossop said he could not comment further on the incident as the matter was before the courts.

"We are supporting the victim's family and our deepest sympathies are with them at this time," he said.

The victim's name has not been released.

It is understood police are still notifying his family overseas.

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of one of our team," Countdown managing director Dave Chambers said.

"The safety of our people and customers is our absolute priority, and no New Zealander should go to work and not expect to return home to their loved ones.

"Our focus right now is to support the family and our team in whatever way we can.

"We've also made as much information and footage as we have available to the police and will continue to cooperate with their investigation."