Police: 'Not okay' to ignore screams

File photo / NZ Herald

Police have accused neighbours of ignoring the screams of a Hamilton woman who was seriously injured in a savage beating lasting several hours.

The 28-year-old woman suffered fractured ribs, a fractured wrist, kidney damage, lacerations and bruising to her head in the domestic assault that stretched from Saturday into the early hours of Sunday morning, police said.

Inspector Rob Lindsay said by the time police were called to the Fairfield house where the attack took place, a 28-year-old woman had suffered a "prolonged assault".

He said neighbours had heard the woman's screams on Saturday but did not call police.

"Finally early Sunday morning one person had heard enough and called Police. While we're grateful for this call we believe other people could have intervened far earlier in the piece.

"We're asking people who know of this type of behaviour occurring, how would they feel if it was their daughter, sister, mother or grandmother being subjected to this type of treatment and people stood by and did noting? Not doing anything about it is what's not OK."

A 25-year-old man arrested at the scene faces a charge of injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Mr Lindsay said the man was lucky not to be facing more serious charges.

- HERALD ONLINE