Blenheim stabbings: At least one dead, police homicide inquiry under way. Video / Alan Gibson
Two of the 10 people charged with violent offences after an alleged murder in a central Blenheim street last night will appear in court this afternoon.
And the family of the slain man are posting heartfelt tributes to him, saying he was much loved and they are in pain overhis loss.
Hiko Lynch, 23, was allegedly stabbed on Market St just after 3am yesterday.
It is understood he had been out celebrating a friend's birthday and the group had been at Club Envy earlier.
After the bar closed violence erupted on the street outside leaving Lynch dead and two others badly wounded.
Ten people have been arrested and charged with various offences including murder, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault and disorderly behaviour.
The first of the group, two men aged 33 and 37, are scheduled to appear in the Blenheim District Court this afternoon each on a charge of murder.
"The others charged will appear in due course," a police spokesperson said.
Two people who were also injured remain in hospital in a stable condition.
Witnesses told the Herald yesterday that members of the Rebels gang were in the club and involved in the fracas.
Hiko Lynch was allegedly murdered in Blenheim. Photo / Facebook
Lynch, from Tonga, was a seasonal worker and was sending money home to his family.
Many family and friends have posted photos of Lynch online with heartfelt messages of love and condolences.
A homicide investigation, dubbed Operation Alaia, is ongoing.
Marlborough Area Commander Inspector Simon Feltham said further arrests were likely as police continued to investigate.
"We acknowledge that today's incident will be concerning to the wider community. Police can assure the community that violent crimes will not be tolerated, and we will hold those who offend to account."
A man who was in the nightclub before it closed at 3am said members of a gang had been intimidating and eyeballing people in the lead-up to the stabbings.
He told the NZ Herald and Newstalk ZB: "It's not the normal thing that happens on a night out in Blenheim.
"There was a large presence of motorcycle gang members ... I heard they were Rebels.
"I left there about 2.55am and they were closing up, I'm not really sure what happened but heard a scuffle broke out and knives came out and people got stabbed.
"One of them died ... and they got chased all over town by police ... yeah, it was a crazy morning in Blenheim."
The witness said the nightclub was "usually fine" and there was not much of a gang presence in Blenheim.
