Northcote bag snatch suspect in court

Peter Thomas and his wife Lucy Knight. He says she had a 'peaceful' night after surgery.

A 17-year-old Manurewa man who was arrested and charged in relation to the attack on 43- year-old Lucy Knight has appeared in North Shore District Court.

Hendrix Huawai was accused of aggravated wounding and assault with intent to rob.

He was remanded in custody pending a bail application tomorrow and will be kept in segregation until his next appearance.

Detective Senior Sergeant Stan Brown says the swift arrest was the direct result of public assistance.

"It's thanks to the media and the public that we have caught this offender so quickly.

Whilst we are now limited to what we can say because we have charged someone, what we can say is that the public response to this was outstanding, and its down to each and every person that looked at and shared the pictures we put out, that we have caught this man and we can't thank you all enough."

"Fortunately this type of incident is not common, and the overwhelming response we've had has shown that the public have zero tolerance and for this type of crime.

"This should send a clear message to those in the criminal element" says Det Snr Sgt Brown.

The investigation is ongoing and North Shore Police still want to hear from anyone who was in the area yesterday, and who may have seen a white station-wagon with tinted windows.