A troubling incident has unfolded in Wairoa overnight, resulting in three people sustaining injuries and a subsequent arrest.
Emergency services received a call to Queen St just after 4:30am to reports of two people being assaulted by someone known to them, Tairāwhiti Area Commander Insp Danny Kirk said.
As officers initiated their search for the alleged offender, another alarming report emerged about 4:50am of a person being stabbed on nearby Marine Pde, Kirk said.
Kirk said the victim had critical injuries.
He said first aid was provided by an officer while others hunted for the alleged offender.
Kirk added the "sole suspect in both incidents was arrested after returning to the scene on Marine Pde" just before 6am.
"We are providing support to the victims following this distressing incident. Thankfully, all three are recovering in hospital and are in a stable condition," Kirk said on Tuesday. "We believe this is an isolated incident involving one offender only.
"Scene examinations will be carried out this morning and members of the public will see an increased police presence in the area as we provide reassurance patrols across Wairoa."
