Police have launched an investigation after a triple stabbing occurred in Taihape yesterday (31 July) afternoon.
Police were notified about the incident at around 2:30pm after a man presented himself to the Taihape Medical Centre with stab wounds.
"We believe a group of people have been at an address and a dispute has broken out amongst them which resulted in three people being stabbed," says Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Forlong, officer in charge of the investigation.
The three men, two in their mid-30s and one in his mid-50s were all transported to hospital to receive treatment for their injuries. One man was airlifted to Palmerston North Hospital and is in a serious condition. Another man was transported by ambulance to the Whanganui Hospital and he is in a critical condition. The third man was also taken to Whanganui hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
"We are making inquiries with witnesses and working to piece together the sequence of events that led up to the stabbings. Police want to hear from anyone who may have any information about this incident and we encourage them to make contact."
Police are also interested in identifying and locating a Taihape man that is believed to have been at the scene when the stabbings took place. He is described as being in his mid-20s, of Polynesian descent, and solidly built.
"Police staff from Ruapehu, Whanganui, and Palmerston North are working on the investigation. The scene of the stabbings has been cordoned off since yesterday afternoon and Police forensic experts along with ESR staff will conduct a scene examination today," says Detective Senior Sergeant Forlong.
If anyone has any information relevant to the investigation please contact the Whanganui Police on (06) 349 0600. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please note that Detective Senior Sergeant Forlong will not be available for media requests until after midday. Further updates will be released once more information becomes available.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.