Man charged with attempted murder after child critically injured in Auckland park assault

At approximately 4.45 pm on Sunday, a 20-year-old man assaulted a child in the play area of Myers Park, off Queen Street in central Auckland. Emergency responders rushed the child to Starship Children’s Hospital, where the victim remains in serious but stable condition, and the adult to Auckland City Hospital with serious self-inflicted injuries. Police detained the suspect and later charged him with attempted murder, according to Auckland City District Commander Sunny Patel.

Patel noted that the child and attacker were strangers, that the cordons around the playground have been removed, and that investigators see no ongoing risk to the public. Witnesses have been urged to contact police with any information or media, referencing case number 261025/2283. The investigation remains ongoing.