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A man is in custody following a violent series of events that unfolded in Epsom this morning resulting in three people being hospitalised and others assaulted.
Cordons remain in place while investigators continue to piece together exactly what has taken place.
As reported earlier, around 7.05am this morning (August 5), police were initially called to reports of a serious assault at the intersection of Ranfurly Road and Manukau Road.
A man approached a female victim and without warning assaulted her, causing bruising to her face, head and upper body, acting Detective Inspector Craig Bolton (Auckland City CIB) says.
“A member of the public stopped to assist the victim before this offender has stolen the good Samaritan’s vehicle,” he says. “The offender then fled in the stolen vehicle, hitting several vehicles before striking three cyclists who were riding on Manukau Road.”
The three cyclists have been taken to Auckland City Hospital with critical, serious and moderate injuries.
After crashing the vehicle, the offender exited and approached another member of the public who was walking her dogs at the time, Bolton says.
“The offender has subjected one of the dogs to a violent assault and sadly the dog has died at the scene,” acting Detective Inspector Bolton says. “This has all taken place in full view of the public going about their morning commute.”
Police units located the 49-year-old man on Manukau Road and he was arrested. Charges are being confirmed.
“This was an incredibly violent event which has unfolded very quickly. We acknowledge it has impacted many innocent people who were just going about their mornings,” Bolton adds.
“Police are aware many people witnessed this incident, and we are appealing to the public for information and dashcam footage to come forward.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police through 105 online or by phone, referencing file number 260805/2349.
Cordons remain in place on Manukau Road between Ranfurly Road and Queen Mary Avenue. Campbell Crescent is closed to Puriri Drive. There will be a police presence in the area while enquiries continue.
Update (12.15pm): police can advise all cordons have been lifted following this morning’s incident in Epsom.
Update (3.55pm): the man arrested this morning is set to face more than a dozen charges. Click here for more.
