A man collapsed on the road after being stabbed in an early morning fight in Timaru - only to be assaulted again as a member of the public offered him help.
Police said two men, aged 20 and 21, were stabbed in the fracas near a taxi stand on Church St about 1.20am today.
The 21-year-old man made his way to Sophia St, where he collapsed on the road opposite the Sail and Anchor Bar, Detective Sergeant Dylan Murray said.
"He then suffered a further assault whilst being tended to by a member of the public."
An ambulance was called and the man was taken to hospital with a moderate, non-life threatening injury.
The 20-year-old victim left the scene of the assault and admitted himself to hospital three hours later.
Mr Murray said three Timaru locals had been arrested.
Two men, aged 19 and 25, have been charged with assault while an 18-year-old woman has been charged with possession of a knife and possession of cannabis.
Police are calling for anyone who witnessed the assaults on Church St and Sophia St to get in touch.