Park conflict before stabbing

Police are investigating whether reports of an altercation at a park in Te Aroha had anything to do with the stabbing of a 2-year-old, now recovering in hospital.

The infant, who was last night in a stable condition, was stabbed at his Centennial Ave home on Monday afternoon.

Neighbours said they had heard of an altercation between one of the toddler's family and another person at a nearby park.

Detective Sergeant Rod Carpinter of Matamata-Piako CIB said police had spoken to a "person of interest" and the alleged weapon had been recovered.

The boy is expected to be discharged from hospital within the next two days.