Attribute to Inspector Wayne Ewers, Whangarei Police:
Police are making follow up enquiries following an incident where a person was arrested in relation to a stabbing.
At approximately 9.45am on Saturday morning, Police were called to a report of a family harm incident in Otangarei.
On arrival a male was located with a stab wound and transported to hospital in a serious condition. He remains in hospital in a stable condition.
An 18 year old male was taken into custody and spoken to by Police. He has since been released and the investigation is ongoing.
While Police were at the scene dealing with the incident, a number of individuals, including gang members, arrived at the address.
One of those individuals assaulted a Police officer from behind, fortunately the officer did not sustain any injuries.
A police vehicle at the scene was also significantly damaged.
Due to the aggressive and violent behaviour of those individuals, Police officers pepper sprayed a number of those involved.
A scene guard has been in place at the address over the weekend.
Police have located the alleged offender responsible for most of the damage to the Police vehicle and a 23 year old local male has appeared in the Whangarei District Court today on related charges. Police are continuing to make enquiries into the incident.
Inspector Wayne Ewers says any attack on a Police officer is a serious matter and will not be tolerated.
“Our Police officers come to work every day to keep our communities safe. It is unacceptable and alarming when someone tries to harm one of our staff, fortunately they were not injured in this incident but it could have been a lot worse.
“I want to reassure the community that we are treating this seriously and we will do everything we can to find whoever is responsible and hold them to account.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Whangarei Police on 09 430 4500 or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Nick Baker/NZ Police