Man stabbed in Paeroa improving

Photo / File

A man left critically ill with several stab wounds after he and his sister were attacked in the Thames Valley town of Paeroa early today, is improving in Auckland Hospital.

The 25-year-old man was in a critical condition when he was flown to Auckland on a rescue helicopter early today but police said his condition had improved and he was expected to survive.

Constable Glenn Ewing, of Waihi police, said they had yet to speak to the man because of his injuries.

He and his sister, 20, were walking home in Paeroa about 1.30am when they got into a fight with three men and a woman, Mr Ewing said.

The man was stabbed several times and his sister was punched.

The man had surgery in Auckland today.

"He is out of surgery. He is alert and my understanding is that he is going to survive."

Police were still looking for a weapon, Mr Ewing said.

Police appealed for anyone who saw the incident or who knew the attackers to call them.

- NZPA