Police are seeking witnesses after a 72-year-old man was attacked at Little Rangitoto Reserve in the affluent Auckland suburb of Remuera on Wednesday afternoon.
The victim was at the park with family around 4:30pm when he was approached by an unknown man.
The offender attempted to draw him away from the park and the victim was struck in the neck with a weapon, believed to be a knife. He received a minor wound which required medical attention.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Newman says this was a completely unprovoked attack.
"The victim and his family are obviously very shaken by this incident. We are supporting them and have a number of staff working on this investigation," he says.
"We want to assure the public that we are making a number of enquiries, including carrying out an area canvas and speaking with neighbours. We will have an increased police presence in the area while this investigation continues."
The offender is described as a Caucasian with olive skin and of medium build and wearing dark clothing.
He was last seen running down Upland Road towards Benson Road. The weapon hasn't been recovered.
Police ask anyone who was in the reserve or surrounding areas on Upland Road on Wednesday afternoon between 4pm and 5pm and witnessed any suspicious behaviour to contact police immediately.
They can contact the Auckland City Crime Squad on 09 302 6557 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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