Three injured in attacks

Five people are facing a number of charges with injuring with intent to injure being the most serious as a result of two incidents in Kaikohe and Whangarei.

A man was assaulted in what police believe was domestic violence at a house in Kaikohe about 11pm on Friday.

The man allegedly responsible for the attack was believed to be a relative of the male victim and was yesterday in custody at the Ngawha Prison. He faces one charge of injuring with intent to injure and is likely to appear in Kaikohe District Court this morning.

Police were yesterday monitoring the condition of the injured man who is fighting for his life at Whangarei Hospital. Details surrounding the circumstances of the assault remained unclear yesterday, but police said more serious charges may be laid.

The second violent incident happened at a house on Cairnfield Rd in Otangarei, Whangarei, about 3am on Saturday.

Whangarei police sergeant Shane Turner said a young woman invited some men for drinks at her father's house, where people became intoxicated and aggressive as the night wore on.

Her father and his friend were allegedly assaulted and the latter's car keys were snatched. The vehicle was then driven away by three men and the woman. Mr Turner said the father's credit card was used to purchase petrol.

The father suffered serious facial injuries while his friend's injuries were less serious. Both were treated by St John paramedics at the scene then taken to Whangarei Hospital. There were later discharged.

Police managed to track down the missing car about an hour later and two males aged 16 and 23 and a 17-year-old female were arrested. The alleged driver, a 17-year-old male, fled the scene but was arrested yesterday morning.

All are facing charges of aggravated robbery, injuring with intent to injure, and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

They are in custody and will appear in Whangarei District Court today.