Man stabbed in stomach after fight in Nelson

A man has had surgery and is recovering in Nelson Hospital. Photo / Google Street View

A man has had surgery and is recovering in Nelson Hospital after he was stabbed during a fight in the city.

Nelson police Detective Sergeant Lex Bruning said two groups of people became involved in at the corner of St Vincent and Natalie Streets about 12.15am today.

During the fight a 36-year-old man was stabbed once in the stomach area with a knife.

He was taken to hospital and underwent surgery and is now recovering in the ward with no life threatening injuries, he said.

"The victim is extremely lucky and this type of assault can easily lead to serious injury or even be fatal."

Two 18-year-old Nelson men were arrested at the scene.

Police are continuing to piece together the events leading up to the altercation, including carrying out a scene examination, before any charges are laid.

"We will be ascertaining why the altercation started and whether alcohol was involved.

"There were two groups present. One group comprised two 18-year-old men and the other group of four comprised two men and two women," Bruning said.

Police request anyone with information regarding this incident or who may have been near the scene around midnight to contact Nelson police 03 5463840.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800
555 111.