Takanini Gurdwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib. Photo: Google Maps
A man has turned himself into police Monday after two people were injured in an assault at a sports complex located next to a Sikh temple in South Auckland over the weekend.
Police said the attacker had entered the sports complex next to Takanini Gurdwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib and approached a man known to him about 5pm on Sunday.
"He has begun to assault the man, before bystanders have intervened to stop the offending," Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor said.
The victim and a second person both suffered minor injuries during the assault. Both received treatment at a local medical centre.
Security removed the man, and he was seen getting into a vehicle before police arrived on scene, Taylor said.
Taylor said the assault was not believed to be a hate-motivated crime.
"We acknowledge that this incident was confronting for those who were present at the temple at the time," Taylor said.
"However, we have established that this incident occurred as a result of a dispute between two parties known to each other."
Police had conducted "reassurance patrols" around the temple due to the assault, Taylor said.
In a statement posted to Facebook, Takanini Gurdwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib said no incident took place within the Gurdwara complex or was related to the Gurdwara congregation.
"An incident did occur at the sports complex located behind the Gurdwara, where a private sports event had been booked.
"The police responded and took the necessary steps to manage the situation," it said.
"Earlier today, at approximately 12:30 PM, the individual involved in the incident voluntarily came to the Gurdwara to apologise and surrender himself to the police. We contacted the authorities, who then took him into custody for further investigation.
"The matter is now being handled by the police and has been dealt with appropriately."
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