Two people critically injured in a stabbing at Auckland’s Pakūranga night markets last night have undergone surgery as police continue to hunt for the alleged offender.
Emergency services were called to the incident which occurred in an underground carpark at Pakūranga Plaza on Aylesbury St around 6.45pm following a report of a stabbing.
St John responded with two rapid response vehicles, three ambulances and an operations manager.
“Our crews assessed and treated two patients who were taken to Middlemore Hospital in a critical condition.”
Police this morning confirmed the pair had been stabbed.
“The two injured people have undergone surgery and are in a stable condition at hospital,” police said.
“Locals can expect to see an increased police presence today as we work to gather further information about what happened.
“Police continue to follow positive lines of inquiry to locate the alleged offender.”
The market was evacuated following the incident with the organisers closing the event for the night.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding,” the Auckland Night Market operators said on social media.
“This is an isolated incident, and all other markets will continue as planned.”
Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown thanked police and first responders for their “quick response and efforts to keep our community safe”.
‘Screaming and yelling’
Lucas, a witness at the scene, told 1News he was eating when he suddenly heard a “big commotion” and “scuffling” between two people.
“They ran out and then a lot of stuff happened,” he said, adding that he could see blood.
Lucas said ambulance services arrived at the scene “within less than five minutes”, followed shortly after by police.
He said the incident was scary as “I could’ve been hurt out there”.
“The people around were like all trying to get away and there was some screaming and yelling and people were just really curious and shocked.”