Homicide investigation after deadly stabbing aboard Auckland bus

A man is dead and another seriously injured in a stabbing attack aboard an Auckland bus on Monday night.

Auckland Police say the two men were stabbed minutes apart on a number 76 bus travelling from Glen Innes towards Ōrākei just before 8pm.

The attacker remains on the run and officers are viewing CCTV footage and carrying out scene examinations.

In a statement, police say the offender boarded the bus at Apirana Avenue in Glen Innes at 7.53pm. The first victim, a man in his 50s, got on shortly afterwards and was attacked before he could exit the bus near Fenchurch Street.

Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin, of Auckland City CIB, says the man managed to escape the bus and was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

But the violence did not stop. Baldwin says the offender then moved to the back of the bus, where the second victim, a man in his 40s, was seated.

“The second unprovoked assault begins when the offender approaches the victim at the rear of the bus. The offender initiates a fight and quickly produces a knife and assaults the victim. After a short confrontation, the second victim manages to flee from the bus, along with another passenger and the bus driver near the bus stop at Coates Avenue and Kepa Road.”

The second victim is in hospital in a stable condition. Police and the Armed Offenders Squad are searching for the attacker.

“I’m appalled at the unprovoked violence used by this offender against two men who have done absolutely nothing wrong, and one has tragically and needlessly lost his life,” Baldwin says.

Local councillor Josephine Bartley and her dog, Milo. Photo/File

Community urged to stay calm

Glen Innes has a diverse population, with Pacific people making up more than a third of residents, according to the 2023 Census.

Josephine Bartley, Ward Councillor for Maungakiekie-Tāmaki, posted an update on social media urging calm. “I am posting to ask for calm in our community and to ask if you know anything, please contact the Police,” she says.

“I understand there has been two stabbings, one in Glen Innes and one in Ōrākei, by someone who caught the bus. Police are interviewing witnesses.

“Many will be worried and we need this offender caught asap. My sincere condolences to the family of the victim and hoping for recovery for the second victim.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police online or call 105, quoting reference 251208/7471 or Operation Gyle. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Tāmaki branch of P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A serves Glen Innes, Panmure and Pt England.