Police appeal to identify witnesses to Wellington stabbing

To be attributed to Detective Sergeant Olivia Meares: 
 
Wellington Police are seeking to identify a number of possible witnesses to a stabbing in Taranaki Street on 28 July. 
 
A 48-year-old man was seriously injured in the stabbing, which occurred at around 8.50pm outside the Wesley Methodist Church at 75 Taranaki Street. 
 
The victim was provided live-saving emergency first aid by a passer-by until the arrival of Ambulance and Police officers. He later required emergency surgery.
 
This appears to have been a violent, unprovoked attack by an unknown offender, and could well have been fatal if not for the quick response of members of the public and emergency services. 
 
CCTV footage in the area has indicated there are several potential witnesses who we have not yet spoken to.
 
Police have previously sought information about the occupants of a white van parked in the Wesley Methodist Church carpark. 
 
We have now established that two people got out of the van and went over to the area where the victim was stabbed. They then returned to their van and left the area. 
 
The van is white or light grey and appears similar to an older-style Mitsubishi L300 model. 
 
Police are also seeking to identify a man who walked past the area around the time the victim was stabbed. He has long hair, which may be braided. 
 
And finally, we are seeking to identify a man in shorts or rolled up black pants, with a grey stripe, who was also in the area at the time. 
 
We believe these people may have witnessed the attack on the victim, or have information which could assist us in identifying the offender.
 
If you are able to help us identify any of these people, please get in touch with Police as soon as possible. 
 
Anyone with footage or information that may assist is asked to contact Police via our 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report. Please reference Operation Wesley, file number 220729/2490 .
 
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
 
ENDS
 
Issued by Police Media Centre.