A man is on the run after a violent assault left two people injured at a sports complex next to a Sikh temple in South Auckland, New Zealand, on Sunday afternoon.
It is reported in the local media that the incident occurred around 5pm on the grounds beside the Takanini Gurdwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib on Takanini School Road.
While police initially reported the assault had taken place inside the temple, this was later clarified. Police said in an updated statement:
“While the incident took place on the grounds itself, it occurred at a sports complex located next to the Takanini Sikh Temple, not in the temple itself.”
According to Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor of Counties Manukau CIB, the offender approached a man known to him and began assaulting him before bystanders intervened. A second person sustained minor injuries while trying to break up the attack.
Security removed the attacker from the premises before he fled in a vehicle. Police later stopped the vehicle in the Manurewa area and spoke with the driver, but the alleged offender was not located.
Taylor confirmed to local media the incident is not being treated as a hate-motivated crime.
“We have established that this incident occurred as a result of a dispute between two parties known to each other,” he said.
“Both victims have since received treatment at a local medical centre and fortunately no one was seriously injured.”
In response, police are conducting reassurance patrols in the area to calm concerns within the local community.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact police online or call 105, quoting reference number 250622/3501.
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