Wellington [New Zealand], June 20: AP reported on June 20 that a young man with a hammer attacked diners at three Chinese cuisine restaurants in New Zealand, leaving at least four people hospitalized.
Police said the attacker began the attack at around 9pm on June 19 (local time) in the Albany area in the northern suburbs of Auckland .
A 24-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene on charges of causing bodily harm and attempting to cause serious bodily harm. Police did not immediately disclose the motive of the attack or the identity of the suspect.
Auckland City Hospital on June 20 said one victim was still being treated but in a stable condition. North Shore Hospital said it received one patient with moderate injuries, another with minor injuries and previously discharged a third person.
The New Zealand Herald newspaper quoted a diner as saying he was having dinner with a friend when the young man walked in and attacked, leaving the friend seriously injured.
"I was shocked when I realized what was going on, he was even aiming for me. He was aiming for my head, so I blocked the hammer with my hand," the anonymous diner said.
The article also included a picture of a wood-cutting hammer lying on the sidewalk. According to police officer Timonthy Williams, police are not looking for any other suspects in the case, meaning they believe the perpetrator acted alone.
Police are expected to further prosecute the suspect. The suspect is expected to make his first court appearance on June 20.
Restaurants where diners were attacked include Yues Dumpling Kitchen, ZhangliangMalatang and Maya Hotpot, which are part of cluster of restaurants along the route to provide diners with cheap options for Chinese street food.
Source: ThanhNien Newspaper
