Kaikohe: 3 hurt in violent dispute

A long-running dispute turned violent last night and left three men injured, one of them critically.

The incident happened at a rural house, south of Kaikohe, about 6.30pm.

Two Kaikohe men, armed with an iron bar and a tomahawk, went to the house to confront its 46-year-old occupant, said Northland police communications officer Sarah Kennett.

A fight ensued, resulting in the occupant overpowering the two Kaikohe men.

A 57-year-old Kaikohe man in a critical condition in Auckland Hospital.

The occupant and the second Kaikohe man, aged 61, also suffered moderate injuries. They have since been discharged from hospital.

"All three men were known to each other and this incident had been the result of a long running dispute," Ms Kennett said.

Police investigators and specialist ESR staff have started inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Ms Kennett said next of kin had yet to be advised and no names of the people involved had been released.

No charges have been laid against anyone yet.

- NZPA