Man stabbed repeatedly at backpackers' hostel

A man was stabbed five times after disturbing an intruder at a backpackers' lodge in the Auckland suburb of Ponsonby early today.

Police said the victim was investigating a noise when he confronted the burglar who stabbed him five times, probably with a knife, before fleeing.

Road blocks were set up but the knifeman managed to get away.

Detective Sergeant Duncan Hall, from the Auckland crime squad, said the victim's wounds were not life-threatening but police had yet to properly interview him and get precise details of the incident.

He said it was vital the intruder was caught.

"He is a...threat to anybody and everybody out there."

The intruder was described as caucasian with shoulder-length blond hair.

- NZPA