Police are investigating an “unprovoked” assault on an bus in Auckland’s Pakuranga that caused serious facial injuries to the victim last week.
The victim was on a bus from Howick heading towards Auckland City along Pakuranga Rd at around 9.15am on Friday, June 28, when the incident occurred.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant James Mapp said an unknown woman hopped on the bus before “assaulting the victim with an object”.
“This was an unprovoked assault, which left the victim with serious facial injuries.”
He said the offender left the bus before police arrived.
“We understand the fear and concern events like this inflict on the community and we will continue to pursue every lead to hold this person to account.
Mapp said there was “no tolerance” for this type of crime or intimidation and inquiries would continue into the matter.
“We are also providing support to the victim and want to reassure the community we are working hard to locate the person responsible.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or had any information about it was urged to contact police on 105 or report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
It’s the latest in a spate of violent attacks on Auckland’s public transport in previous months, in which a bus drivers’ union organiser said the system had reached a “crisis point”.
Security had been ratcheted up at public transport stations following recent attacks of young people on buses and at interchanges in New Lynn, Ponsonby and Albany.
