Hunt for armed and dangerous man after sword attack on woman

Photo / File

South Auckland man alleged to have attacked a woman with a ceremonial sword in Hamilton was under the care of a forensic mental health service.

The man, of Pukekohe, was under the care of the Mason Clinic run by the Waitemata District Health Board last night when he attacked a woman in her Sadler St home.

"The Mason Clinic and the Ministry of Health have confirmed that the man sought by Hamilton police for an alleged serious assault on his partner was under the care of forensic mental health services.," they confirmed in a statement to the Herald this afternoon.

"A formal investigation into the incident will be announced shortly."

The confirmation comes after Waikato police Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson held a press conference in Hamilton today confirming the man was still on the run and classified as armed and dangerous.

They were currently making a number of inquiries into his whereabouts but had received a sighting of his distinctive orange van in South Auckland.

"We don't know where he is at this stage."

He said the man's 50-year-old victim suffered "severe" injuries in the 8pm attack but was currently stable in a Waikato Hospital ward.

"She had some injuries to her head and her arms as a result of the sword attack. She will require significant treatment at the hospital but she is in a stable condition."

The woman's two children, who were home at the time, were currently staying with family and friends, he said.

He confirmed that the sword belonged to the injured woman but where the axe and handgun originated from would form part of their investigation, he said.

He wouldn't comment on the relationship between Singh and the injured woman other than to say the pair were known to each other, and that he had visited the house in the past.

Singh was now wanted in relation to breach of a protection order and last night's attack.

Although he was yet to sight the sword used in the attack, Mr Patterson described it as a "ceremonial sword".

After intervention from another occupant of the house, the man fled with what police believe were the sword, an axe and possibly handgun.

"When last seen (the man) has driven off in an orange Nissan Serena van, registration JDA146.

"(He) is a male Indian of medium build and about 171cm tall. If you see this man be aware he is considered dangerous and should not be approached, rather we ask that you ring 111 immediately."

One of the victim's neighbours saw the victim being lead from her house.

"She wasn't in a good way. She had a cop on each side, not leaning, but they were pretty close to her."

The victim, who lived at the house with two young children, suffered facial injuries and a gash to her left arm, she said.

"Her face just looked like a mess but she may have had ice packs or bandages on there."

Other neighbours said they remembered hearing a vehicle flee from the house and didn't think much of it - until police arrived.

"It just sped off down the street," one said.

Detective Patterson said police are working with Auckland and Counties Manukau colleagues where he is known to have links.

Anyone with any information on the man's whereabouts is asked to contact Mr Patterson at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Armed police guard the house where a woman was severely beaten. Photo / Belinda Feek

Manhunt: Sword attack victim's face 'a mess'

Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson said: "At this stage it appears the man has gone to the property yesterday and at about 8pm emergency services were called following the attack.

"We believe the woman has been assaulted with a sword and as a result suffered serious injuries. She is currently stable in a ward in Waikato Hospital at this time."

Mr Patterson said another occupant of the Sadler Street house intervened in the attack causing the man to flee with what police believe were the sword, an axe and possibly a handgun.

"When last seen (he) has driven off in an orange Nissan Serena van, registration JDA146.

"He is a male Indian of medium build and about 171cm tall. If you see this man be aware he is considered dangerous and should not be approached, rather we ask that you ring 111 immediately."

Mr Patterson said they'd had one confirmed sighting of the man's distinctive orange van in South Auckland since the incident.

He described the victim's injuries as "severe" and she was currently stable in a ward at Waikato Hospital.

One of the victim's neighbours said: "She wasn't in a good way. She had a cop on each side, not leaning, but they were pretty close to her."

The victim, who lived at the house with two young children, suffered facial injuries and a gash to her left arm, she said. "Her face just looked like a mess but she may have had ice packs or bandages on there."

Other neighbours said they remembered hearing a vehicle flee from the house and didn't think much of it - until police arrived. "It just sped off down the street," one said.

Detective Patterson said police are working with Auckland and Counties Manukau colleagues where he is known to have links.

The man, who also allegedly breached a protection order, was last seen in an orange Nissan Serena van, with the registration JDA146.