Footage of the suspect of stabbing an Auckland dairy has been released

Police have released footage of the suspect who allegedly fatally stabbed an Auckland dairy worker last night.

The man wears dark clothes – black shoes, a cap and a long-sleeved top.

He also wore black pants with white writing on the left leg, as well as a black and white bandana over his face.

There is white writing on the cap and pants according to police, Raiders said.

In a late afternoon statement, police revealed shocking new details about the fatal robbery last night.

“The offender left the store around 8 p.m. with the cash drawer and walked about 100m towards Duncan Avenue,” Detective Inspector Scott Beard said.

“He is seen in CCTV footage stopping in front of a domestic trash can and placing the drawer inside.

“At this point, the victim approached him and an altercation ensued, during which the victim was stabbed several times.”

The alleged assailant then left with the wheelie bin and continued towards Duncan Avenue, police added.

“The victim managed to return to the dairy where help was called and first aid administered.”

This morning, more than 100 people gathered in front of the dairy, in solidarity.

Mark Ward, who lives in the area, told 1News he passed by last night and realized something was wrong.

“I was coming back from a pub quiz on this road and saw all the police. When I approached I saw the gang and the ambulance,” he said, adding that he had only learned this morning that the man who had been stabbed was dead.

Ward said the deceased man was a “super nice guy” who looked after the dairy for the owners while they were on vacation.

“I can’t believe people would do this to other people. It’s just not right.”

Sandringham Business Association chairman Jithin Chittibomma told 1News he couldn’t sleep last night.

“It’s tragic…and there’s [a] feeling of grief, frustration, anger within the community, within the business community and the community in general,” he said. “Business isn’t just bricks and mortar, it’s people, people who live, breathe and work in this community.

Jacinda Ardern, who is the MP for Mt Albert, expressed her horror at the attack and its large-scale impact.

“To the family who today mourn their lost loved one – I’m so sorry this happened. I know our Sandringham community is tight-knit, and they will feel it too.

“Our job as government is to ensure that those who commit such crimes are brought to justice and to try to prevent them from happening. Either way, we will continue to do everything we can.”