A man found lying in a gutter in a pool of blood is fighting for his life in Christchurch Hospital.
Police are investigating and say it appears the man - believed to be aged 46 - was stabbed in the chest this morning.
Acting senior sergeant Jim Currie, of Christchurch, said police were alerted to the man's plight by a member of the public around 6.50am. He was found in Gloucestor St in central Christchurch.
"He was lying in the gutter in a pool of blood with what appeared to be a stab wound to the chest."
A knife was found nearby, Currie said.
He did not have details on whether police were speaking to any persons of interest.
A Canterbury District Health Board spokeswoman said the man was in a critical condition.
An investigation has begun, with seven officers working on the case and a scene examination underway.
A person at the scene said police had erected a tent at the entrance to a block of apartments on the corner of Gloucestor St and Linwood Ave.
Anyone with information should call detective sergeant Chris Power on 03 363 4888 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 500 111.