A popular playground at the park where the attack occurred. Photo / Google Street View
A popular playground at the park where the attack occurred. Photo / Google Street View
Police are still searching for a young man behind the unprovoked attack of an elderly man in an Auckland park.
The man, 72, was playing with his grandchildren at Little Rangitoto Reserve in Remuera about 3.30pm on Wednesday when he was struck by a weapon described by witnesses as "similar to a knife".
Although the man's injuries were minor, Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Newman described the incident in the affluent Auckland garden suburb as "serious and concerning".
The incident unfolded when a man aged in his late teens or 20s approached the man, started a conversation and tried to lure him away.
The pensioner tried to walk away, and was then struck in the neck, Newman said.
Among those present were the man's grandchildren, but Newman would not say how old they are or go into detail about how they are coping.
The man and his family were described as "shaken" and are being supported by police.
The man himself was "doing all right", Newman said.
"His injuries are, thankfully, minor."
Police looking for young Caucasian man
Newman did not have any other details on the weapon, but said the alleged offender was last seen running down Upland Rd towards Benson Rd.
The man is described as Caucasian, with olive skin, of medium build and aged in his late teens or early 20s.
He was wearing dark clothing, possibly including dark cargo pants.
Police have canvassed the area and are speaking with neighbours, but Newman urged anyone with information to contact police.
This included anyone in the reserve, or surrounding areas on Upland Rd, before and after the incident and who witnessed any suspicious behaviour, Newman said.
Amy Walsh talks to the Herald about search efforts after her 19 year old daughter Maia Johnston disappeared in Totara Park Upper Hutt. Video / NZ Herald
