Please attribute to Inspector Nigel Allan, Whanganui Area Commander:
A 36-year-old man will appear in the Whanganui District Court this afternoon facing five charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and one charge of murder.
These charges have been laid after an incident on Wicksteed Street yesterday around 4:15pm where Police located a number of victims with serious injuries.
Police, along with members of the public, provided first aid and support to the victims. Their actions, in the most challenging of circumstances, played a major role in ensuring the wellbeing of those who were injured.
The 36-year-old male was taken into custody shortly after.
A total of six people were injured in the incident, one of whom sadly died at the scene.
Five victims were admitted to Whanganui Hospital last night with injuries ranging from moderate to serious. One person has since been discharged.
We know this has been a traumatic incident for all involved, along with Victim Support we are working hard to support those involved, their whānau and our staff.
I would encourage anyone who witnessed or has been affected by this incident to contact Police.
We acknowledge this incident has been unsettling for our community and I want to reassure residents that we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this matter.
We are absolutely committed to ensuring that the people of Whanganui are safe and feel safe and I can assure the community there is no ongoing risk to the public as a result of this incident.
Police are not yet in a position to release the name of the person who died. We are still working through the process of identification and advising next of kin.
As this matter is now before the court I can’t provide further commentary on the incident.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre