Man's wrists slashed for iPhone

A man's wrists were repeatedly slashed with a metal object in South Auckland yesterday after refusing to hand over his iPhone.
 
A police spokeswoman said the man was walking along Settlement Rd, Papakura, about 8pm, when he noticed a group of four men and two women near the intersection with Harper St.

She said one of the men approached the victim and asked for cigarettes, but he said he didn't have any.

He was then asked if he had a phone and after showing the man his iPhone 5 was told to hand it over.
 
The remainder of the group then joined the altercation, the spokeswoman said.

The victim was pushed to the ground and was told he'd be "choked to death" if he didn't give up his phone.

The spokeswoman said a third man from the group then grabbed his wrist and started "slashing at it with a metal object" until he released his phone.
 
The men then searched the victim's pockets, under the direction of the women, and stole a packet of cigarettes and his wallet.

The victim, who was also kicked in the thighs, required hospital treatment and is now recovering from the ordeal.

Police have spoken with him and are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to contact them.

- © Fairfax NZ News