A Chinese national was charged on Tuesday with attacking patrons with an axe-like weapon at three restaurants in New Zealand’s largest city, injuring four.
According to police, the man was charged following incidents at three Auckland Chinese restaurants that hospitalised four individuals.
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Police arrived around 9 p.m. (0900 GMT) Monday after getting “multiple calls” from the area reporting that guests at the restaurant had been assaulted, according to police.
According to local media, the man entered the establishments, which are all close to one other, and struck diners with a weapon like an axe.
Social media videos showed the floor of one restaurant covered in blood as police detained a man.
A 24-year-old male was arrested on the scene and appeared in North Shore District Court on Tuesday, where he was granted interim name suppression.
He was charged with wounding with intention to cause grievous bodily harm, but police said he was likely to face more offences.
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Waitemata East Area Commander Inspector Stefan Sagar noted “how frightening this was for all involved.”
He stated that authorities believe it was a one-time occurrence and that there is no evidence “to suggest this was a racially motivated attack.”
