Home

NZ terror victims on road to recovery

Ben McKayAAP
Police have revealed tales of heroism and bravery during the September 3 Auckland supermarket attack
Camera IconPolice have revealed tales of heroism and bravery during the September 3 Auckland supermarket attack Credit: AP

New Zealand police have revealed tales of heroism during the Auckland supermarket terrorist attack which prevented further injuries during the stabbing rampage.

Seven people were injured in the September 3 attack, when known terror threat Ahamed Aathill Mohamed Samsudeen randomly attacked shoppers before being shot and killed by police.

On Tuesday, police identified an eighth, uninjured and unnamed, victim.

Detective Superintendent Tim Anderson said the man was tackled by Samsudeen after he "bravely intervened in an attempt to stop the terrorist attacking a woman".

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

The man then "applied first aid to that victim before leaving to find his partner and get to safety".

Police have also commended Rodney Khan, who suffered a dislocated shoulder, for his efforts to ward off the terrorist.

"A review of CCTV has shown that without hesitation Rodney ran straight toward danger when he heard members of the public in distress, and he distracted the terrorist who then turned on him," Mr Anderson said.

"We have no doubt that Rodney's actions on that day prevented further injury to others and while he is very humble about what he did, his actions were nothing short of heroic."

Five of the eight victims are at home recovering, while three remain in Auckland Hospital in a stable condition.

For the first time since the attack, victims have shared statements, issued via the police.

Susan Maddren, who has been discharged from Auckland Hospital, thanked everyone from first responders to everyday well-wishers on her road to recovery.

"A special mention to the lady outside Countdown who tried to stop the bleeding from my hip and to the bus driver who kindly allowed me to enter her bus, where I felt safe and supported until the ambulance arrived," she said.

"I would like to thank the ambulance staff and all the doctors and nurses at Auckland hospital for the wonderful care I received.

"I will never forget your genuine kindness and your willingness to go the extra mile to ensure my every need was met."

Other victims have spoken anonymously.

"To all the courageous people who came to the aid of the victims of the attack, and all of the ambulance staff who were involved ... our gratitude is endless," one said.

One of the victim's brothers said he feared long-lasting damage from the attack.

"Our brother had a small setback with his breathing, but it has been sorted and he is now improving again. He has a bit of a journey to go yet before he is back to his old self," he said.

"It was so pleasing to see the improvements in him each day leading to him being able to walk around with assistance only four days after his ordeal.

"Be kind and smile, my brother's healing journey continues."

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails