Police seek key witness after little girl injured in Myers Park stabbing

Police are seeking a key witness after a little girl was injured in a violent attack at a central Auckland park.

The stabbing happened on October 25, during Labour Weekend, and a 20-year-old man has since been charged and remanded in custody.

Police have obtained CCTV footage showing a man speaking with the alleged offender shortly before the attack.

Detective Sergeant John de Heer said the witness had two children with him, including one in a pram.

“He was present when the offending began but left a short time afterward,” de Heer said.

The man was wearing blue jeans and a maroon and blue sweatshirt.

“If this is you, Police would like to hear from you. We are not seeking anyone else in connection with the investigation, but the information will assist us in preparing court proceedings.”

Anyone with information was asked to call the 105 non-emergency line, quoting reference number 261025/2283.

In an update after the attack in Myers Park last month, the child’s father shared how the family was dealing with “post-traumatic stress”.

In a Givealittle post, the father, who said he would remain anonymous because of the active court case and safety concerns, asked for public support.

He said his daughter received numerous lacerations to her head and injuries to two fingers.

A photo showed extensive bandages on her head and hands.

“Currently, the whole family is dealing with a post traumatic stress, which will take [a] long time to come down,” he wrote.

The father asked for long-term support for the family’s recovery, including day-to-day support, therapy and potential cosmetic surgery.

The young victim injured in the alleged Myers Park knife attack. Photo / Givealittle

The father previously told Stuff his daughter was alive and conscious “but not much more than that”.

He said she had “a lot of scars on her head” and the main thing now was the “psychological damage”.

Police have since announced additional foot patrols around Myers Park, with Auckland central area prevention manager Inspector Beth Houliston acknowledging the incident would have been confronting for residents.