A security guard has been charged after a man was knocked unconscious and left on a central Auckland street near a bar overnight.

Police say the victim was taken to hospital with moderate injuries after the incident on Karangahape Rd about 1.38am.

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Senior Sergeant Shaun Richardson, Auckland Central Area Response Manager, said witnesses contacted police after seeing a security guard allegedly punch the man in the face, causing him to lose consciousness.

“The guard then allegedly dragged the unconscious male a short distance down the road and left him by a bench,” Richardson said.