Liquor store owner charged after brawl

The owner of an Otara liquor store has been arrested and charged after a brawl outside his shop.

The 40-year-old was charged with two counts of injuring with intent to injure over the incident at his Gilbert Road liquor store on September 30.

He appears in Manukau District Court this afternoon.

Investigation head Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Pizzini says police have conducted a thorough and professional investigation into this incident.

Everone involved had been interviewed as have a number of independent witnesses.

"Police have seized a knife, a hockey stick, a fence paling and other items believed to have been used as weapons. We are also analysing CCTV footage," he said.

"It is likely charges will be laid against another person who was involved in the incident and other enquiries are continuing."

"Four people sustained injuries including serious head trauma, cuts and bruising.

"The arrested man received a minor stab wound to his right thigh," said Mr Pizzini.

He said the arrest serves a reminder to all that taking the law into their own hands in some circumstances can not be justified.

"The law states that reasonable force for shop owners defending themselves, any other person and or their property is acceptable.

"Those that clearly exceed that force can expect to be arrested and held to account in the criminal court.

"Shop keepers and the general public can be reassured that the police will respond with urgency to situations where assistance is needed.

"Ring 111, observe what is happening and let police deal with these situations," Mr Pizzini added.