Person critically injured in Ōpunake assault, Ihaia Rd closed as police investigate

Police were called to Ihaia Rd near Ōpunake about 10.15pm on Monday night. Photo / NZME

A person has been airlifted to hospital in a critical condition following a serious assault in Taranaki, with a key road into Ōpunake now closed until further notice.

Police said they were called to Ihaia Rd in the coastal settlement around 10.15pm on Monday night following reports that a person had been seriously assaulted.

Two ambulances, one first response unit, one rapid response unit and two helicopters were sent to the scene, said a Hato Hone St John spokesperson.

The person was airlifted to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.

With Ihaia Rd closed “for several hours” while police investigate, the public has been asked to avoid the area this morning.

“Cordons are in place and police are working to determine the circumstances of the assault‚” a police spokesperson said.

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