A protest was held in Aotea Square Sunday Photo: RNZ / Finn Blackwell
Police have arrested a man after a child was hit in the head with a shovel as he was leaving a protest in Auckland's Aotea Square Sunday afternoon.
Several thousand people gathered in Auckland's Aotea Square Sunday, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza over the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
The assault occurred behind the Auckland Town Hall as crowds dispersed.
The victim is currently in a serious condition in Starship Hospital.
"We understand this incident has been incredibly distressing and are supporting the victim and their family," police Superintendent Sunny Patel said in a statement.
"Prior to this attack, the man arrested had been receiving support of the mental health services.
"Police are still working to establish the events that occurred in the lead up to this incident and we are speaking with a number of witnesses."
Several thousand people attended the protests at Aotea Square, police said.
"Although police made three arrests, the demonstrations were mainly peaceful."
