Stabbing Victim in Stable Condition

Upper Hutt CIB is seeking witnesses to the stabbing of a 31-year-old man in the city early yesterday morning.

Detective Sergeant Tony Heathcote, Upper Hutt Police, said the stabbing, which happened in Main Street near the Royal Street intersection was potentially life threatening.

"We could have quite easily been investigating a homicide. The victim has stab wounds to the side of his chest, one of which has punctured his lung."

The victim has had surgery and is in a stable condition in Hutt Hospital.

A 19-year-old man was arrested at the scene and has been charged with possessing a knife in a public place. He is to appear in the Upper Hutt District Court on Friday morning.

Detective Sergeant Heathcote said inquiries indicate at least three people were involved in an altercation with the victim, including a man and a woman police have yet to speak with.

"We believe there was a large group of people in the area who saw what happened or who have information about the stabbing," Detective Sergeant Heathcote said. "We urge these people to contact us at the Upper Hutt Police Station."