A man attacked and stabbed by a gang of three unknown assailants is recovering in hospital from the brutal late-night incident.
A 27-year-old man was set upon near the Saloon Saloon Bar and Grill in Pukekohe, about 10.30pm yesterday.
Police are looking into the violent assault that left blood stains on the pavement.
"We are investigating an incident... where a 27-year-old male has been allegedly assaulted, including being stabbed," a police spokeswoman said today.
"He suffered various injuries, but he's in a stable condition in Middlemore Hospital.
"He was approached by three unknown males."
Police are now hunting the attackers.
Dave Patel was in the area three-and-a-half hours later and saw blood being washed away from the scene. A couple of police cars were still there.
Mr Patel said a worker at the nearby BP then told him what happened.
Another witness reported seeing the 27-year-old getting stabbed in the arm, after he'd had a drink at the bar. The witness said another bar patron chased the attackers.
Six police cars then attended the incident, they said.
Anyone with information can contact Counties Manukau police on 09 261 1300 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
