Several people seriously injured after an ax attack at three New Zealand restaurants

MADRID, 20 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Several people have been seriously injured after a 24-year-old man attacked customers at three nearby restaurants with an ax in Albany, north of Auckland, New Zealand.

At around 9:00 p.m. (local time), the New Zealand Police received several calls from the Albany area alerting that three nearby restaurants were being robbed, Auckland Detectives Acting Inspector Timothy Williams said in a statement.

A 24-year-old "Chinese citizen" has been arrested on charges of "injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm" and will appear before the North Shore District Court on Tuesday, Williams added.

For their part, the people affected during the attack have been immediately transferred to the hospital and are still there, according to the Police.

At the moment, the Auckland Police have explained that "initial investigations suggest that it is an isolated incident" and that "no one else is being sought in relation to this incident", although they will carry out "a broader examination from the scene."

Also, inspector Stefan Sagar has ensured that "there are no further risks to the public in relation to this incident" and that there is no evidence to suggest that the attack could be racially motivated.

"We recognize how terrifying this incident has been for those involved and for the community at large, and we will ensure that we support both the victims and their friends and family," Sagar said.