Four People Were Hurt In Axe Assaults In New Zealand At Chinese Eateries

A guy is accused of using an axe to attack patrons at a number of Chinese restaurants in Auckland, New Zealand, inflicting injuries on four individuals.

At 21:00 local time on Monday (09:00 GMT), when the man allegedly entered and began striking individuals, video captured patrons fleeing from one eatery.

He was said to be carrying a “hammer-like thing” in addition to many other weapons, according to reports in the local media.

Police reported that a Chinese national was detained on the spot.

He is accused of causing serious physical damage. His name and age have been withheld, as well.

The attack did not appear to be motivated by race, according to police, and is being handled as a one-off occurrence.

They reported that three patients are still in stable conditions in the hospital.

When Albany, a nearby suburb with a thriving restaurant scene, called to report attacks at the Zhangliang Malatang, Yues Dumpling Kitchen, and Maya Hotpot eateries, police sped to the scene.

While a chef described the aftermath as “like a war zone,” a staff member at one said the incident started without notice when the man entered and suddenly “took a hammer-like thing out and attacked people sitting at a table.”

“I observed a person in their 20s who had blood on their head. They briefly stood before falling to the ground, he said, according to Radio New Zealand (RNZ).

One patron at the restaurant claimed to have saw the man “swing a blow” while brandishing “a massive demonstration hammer.”

Another woman described to RNZ how the assailant struck her buddy with the axe from behind.

Then, a voice yelled, “What are you going to do? She asked before the man smacked her companion again, “Why are you doing it?”.

A reason for the man’s alleged attacks has not been disclosed by police, but they do suggest more charges are likely to be brought against him.

Police chief Inspector Stefan Saga stated, “We acknowledge how frightening this incident was for those involved, as well as for the larger community, and we are ensuring there is support in place for both the victims, as well as their friends and family.”