Wellington: According to police and witnesses, a man who was carrying an axe started randomly attacking diners at three nearby Chinese restaurants, leaving four people hospitalised.

In the north Auckland suburb of Albany, the man allegedly started the attack at around nine o'clock on Monday. They claimed to have detained a 24-year-old suspect at the scene and charged him with grievous bodily harm and wounding. Police did not right away provide a reason for the assault.

One victim of the attack was still being treated at Auckland City Hospital on Tuesday, the hospital reported. According to North Shore Hospital, two patients, one with moderate injuries and the other with minor ones, were both in stable condition and had previously undergone surgery.

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The victim was eating dinner with a friend when the attacker entered and began attacking them, leaving the victim's friend with serious injuries, the diner told the New Zealand Herald newspaper.

"I was stunned. He tried to target me when I realised what was going on, the man who asked to remain unnamed told the Herald. "I used my hand to block his axe. He was also aiming for my head, so I used my hand to deflect the axe.

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The diner claimed that the man with the axe chased them out of the establishment before turning around and entering a different one.
An image of what appeared to be a wood-splitting style axe lying on the pavement was published by The Herald.

Since no one else was sought in connection with the incident, acting Detective Inspector Timothy Williams indicated that they thought the man acted alone. Williams stated that more charges are anticipated by police.

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The suspect was scheduled to appear in court for the first time on Tuesday.
The man went into Yues Dumpling Kitchen, Zhangliang Malatang, and Maya Hotpot restaurants. They are a part of a group of eateries on the street that strive to provide cheap options that are reminiscent of Chinese street food specialties.