Police seek couple after man stabbed

Police are looking for a man and a woman seen walking away after a man was stabbed in Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula yesterday.

Detective Sergeant Martyn Hughes, of Thames-Coromandel CIB, said a 23-year-old Auckland man required surgery after he suffered critical facial injuries in the incident on the grass verge outside the Beach Backpackers Lodge on Buffalo Beach Rd, Whitianga, about 5.15am.

"The man's injuries were initially diagnosed as being critical however staff at Waikato Hospital were able to save him and he discharged himself prior to being transported to Auckland Hospital by ambulance for surgery," Mr Hughes said.

"The man and a companion were not co-operative with police and we're still seeking to establish what has occurred."

Mr Hughes said police wanted to hear from a man and a woman seen leaving the scene.

"We'd like to speak to the couple, who were described as being aged between 30-40, who were seen walking along Buffalo Beach Rd towards Jackman Ave shortly after the incident."

Mr Hughes said a number of people had come forward with information, including one person who provided a photograph but that image had proven too dark to be of use.

"So we're still keen to hear from anyone who may have seen what happened and anyone who may have photographed what was going on," Mr Hughes said.

Anyone with information should contact Mr Hughes at Whitianga police station.

- NZPA