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A homicide investigation is under way after two men were stabbed in separate attacks aboard an east Auckland bus last night, December 8, leaving one dead and another seriously injured.
Police say the offender, who remains at large, carried out two unprovoked assaults on the number 76 bus travelling from Glen Innes towards Ōrākei. A major investigation team supported by the Armed Offenders Squad is searching for the man.
Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin, of Auckland City CIB, says Police were alerted by ambulance staff shortly after 8pm.
At this stage, investigators have established the offender boarded the bus on Apirana Avenue in Glen Innes at 7.53pm.
The first victim, a man in his 50s, boarded at 7.56pm and attempted to get off the bus two minutes later near Fenchurch Street.
“The only other passenger aboard initiated an attack on the victim before he could exit the bus,” Baldwin says.
The victim suffered a fatal knife wound but managed to flee the bus. He was transported to hospital and later died from his injuries.
The bus continued its route. At around 8.09pm, the second victim, a man in his 40s, boarded in the area of Coates Avenue and Kepa Road.
“A man aged in his 40s sat at the back of the bus where the offender moved towards him,” Baldwin says.
“The second unprovoked assault began when the offender approached the victim at the rear of the bus. The offender initiated a fight and quickly produced a knife and assaulted the victim.”
The second victim escaped the bus along with another passenger and the bus driver. He was transported to Auckland City Hospital, where he is in a stable condition.
The offender fled on foot and has not been located.
Police have carried out scene examinations, and the bus has been secured for forensic analysis. CCTV footage from inside the bus has been reviewed.
“I’m appalled at the unprovoked violence used by this offender against two men who have done absolutely nothing wrong, and one has tragically and needlessly lost his life,” Baldwin says.
“Our investigation is still in its infancy, but we are committed to understanding the motive and exactly why such violence took place aboard a bus last night.”
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Information can be provided online or via 105, quoting reference 251208/7471 or Operation Gyle. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
