Three stabbed in Bay of Plenty

Three men have been stabbed and a woman charged with assault and burglary after another weekend of violence in the Bay.

Police were called to a brawl in Otumoetai between two groups of youths during which a 16-year-old male was stabbed in the shoulder with a broken bottle about 1am yesterday.

The victim was treated at Tauranga Hospital for his injuries and released. Detective Paul Basham said police inquiries as to who was responsible for the Otumoetai stabbing were continuing.

Detective Basham said he would like to hear from anyone who was present during the fight on Otumoetai Rd between Lydbrooke Pl and Vale St West and could help with the investigation.

About two hours later, Tauranga police were called to a caravan park in Te Puke after a 38-year- old male received a stab wound to the chest during a domestic-related incident.

He was treated at Tauranga Hospital for life-threatening injuries.

Mr Basham said the man was now in a stable condition and was expected to remain in hospital for the next two to three days.

He had been interviewed about the incident and a 50-year-old female was assisting police with their inquiries.

No one else was being sought, Mr Basham said.

The third stabbing complaint was made by a 16-year-old male who alleges he was stabbed in the hand by an associate in Blake Park at 8pm on Saturday night.

Tauranga detectives were today continuing to work on these cases.

In the fourth incident, about 4am yesterday, police were called to a Matua address where a 21-year-old woman had allegedly broken into the house and assaulted a number of people.

The alleged offender has been charged with burglary, assault and assault with the intent to injure, and will appear in Tauranga District Court today.

The violence comes just two weeks after a 21st party in Welcome Bay got out of control and a large number of young people battled police in riot gear.

During the fracas, a policewoman received serious head injuries and a 27-year-old man is now on bail facing charges of assaulting police and another of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Other high-profile violent crimes recently have included two double murders - one at the Wairoa Bridge in October and the second at Mansels Rd, Merivale on December 11.

If anyone has any information in relation to the stabbings they should call police on (07) 577 4300.

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES