Critically injured in Wairoa stabbing

The Marine Parade scene where a reported stabbing took place in Wairoa in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Picture supplied

Assault suspect arrested after incidents at two addresses.

A man has been arrested following an alleged assault incident in Wairoa in the early hours of yesterday that left three people injured — one of them critically.

At about 4.40am, police were called to a Queen Street address following a report two people had been assaulted by a person known to them.

“An area search was under way for the suspect when officers were called to a reported stabbing at a commercial address on Marine Parade at around 4.50am,” Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Danny Kirk said.

“Officers located one person with a critical injury. An officer provided first aid to the victim while another unit began an area search for the alleged offender,” he said.

“At 5.55am, the sole suspect in both incidents was arrested after returning to the scene on Marine Parade.”

The man was interviewed by police yesterday morning.

“We are providing support to the victims following this distressing incident,” said Insp Kirk.

“Thankfully, all three injured people are recovering in hospital and are in a stable condition.

“We believe this is an isolated incident involving one offender only.

“Investigators have been making further inquiries to establish the full picture of what occurred and why,” he said.

Scene examinations were carried out yesterday.

“The public will see an increased police presence in the area as we provide reassurance patrols across Wairoa.”