Auckland Police are on the search for eight men who inflicted a "violent, frenzied attack" on a pair of other men walking down Queen St Auckland last Saturday.
The two men were walking along Queen Street near the Mecca Maxima store at approximately 2.30am when the group of around eight males approached them.
Both men were left unconscious in what Auckland Police are describing "an absolutely appalling attack".
Police said in a statement today that the only interaction between the two groups before the "viscious assualt" was one of the victims had simply commented that he liked the music they were listening to.
Both men were taken to Auckland Hospital and one was initially assessed as being in a critical condition but his condition has improved. They remain in hospital recovering from their injuries.
Detective Constable Tom Malcolm of the Auckland City CIB says the assault has been captured on CCTV footage however Police have decided not to release the video of the assault at this stage as it is very graphic and this would be traumatic for the victims and their families.
"We know our community will be absolutely shocked by this crime - two innocent members of our community simply having a night out when they were attacked," Detective Malcolm said.
"Given the random nature of this attack we believe this could have happened to anyone so it is important we identify these offenders and hold them to account as soon as possible.”
"We are asking for any members of our community who recognise the men in these pictures to contact us immediately.
"We would also like to take this opportunity to thank those members of our community who stepped in to assist these victims, they put themselves in danger to prevent any further injury to these men and we commend their actions."
If you have any information on the attack you can contact Detective Constable Tom Malcolm on (09) 213 8683 with any information or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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