A police tent outside the dairy in New Windsor. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
The courageous actions of people inside a New Windsor dairy when an assault took place may have saved a man's life, police say.
A man is in a critical but stable condition and a woman is in a stable condition at Auckland Hospital after a violent assault at the dairy on Thursday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the scene about 10.41am after reports of a man being stabbed.
"A number of people in the store at the time intervened and managed to apprehend and restrain the offender until police arrived and took him into custody," Auckland City CIB detective inspector Glenn Baldwin said.
"These people also provided medical assistance to both the man and woman at the scene, as did police, who arrived within minutes.
"There are some courageous people in our community and their actions may well have saved the man's life."
Police officers outside the New Windsor Dairy in Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Baldwin said police advice was for the public to avoid putting themselves in danger "but we absolutely commend their bravery and courage in stepping in to assist this morning".
A 24-year-old man has been arrested and faces multiple counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and resisting police.
Baldwin said it was an isolated incident.
"This was a violent and vicious attack, and support is being offered to everyone involved.
"This incident will undoubtably impact on the victims and those involved for the rest of their lives.
"We will be making sure there is support available to them."
There will be an increased police presence in New Windsor as the investigation continues.
Police officers outside the New Windsor Dairy in Auckland after an assault there that left two people in hospital. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi