Two people are in custody after an alleged stabbing in Auckland overnight that left one person in critical condition.
Police were called to Karangahape Rd near Pitt St around 4.20am.
St John said it sent one ambulance, one rapid response unit and one manager to the scene. One person was taken to Auckland City Hospital in critical condition.
Inquiries were ongoing to establish the exact circumstances of the incident, police said.
In a statement, newly formed residents’ group Karangahape Precinct Collective said the alleged incident had “added urgency to longstanding concerns about safety and anti-social behaviour” in parts of the strip.
“This has happened against a backdrop of concerns residents have been raising about specific behaviours in parts of the precinct, including crime, open drug use, reports of drug dealing and persistent anti-social behaviour, during the day as well as overnight,” chairman William Keung said.
“Our concern is with the behaviour occurring in public spaces and its impact on residents, businesses and people using the area, not with people’s circumstances.
“We raised these concerns publicly several weeks ago and have yet to see a coordinated response. With the CRL opening approaching, we now want to see those concerns translated into action.”
The collective called for a stronger police presence in the precinct during the day and overnight, as well as better lighting on the main street and in known problem areas.
“Auckland and the Government have made an extraordinary investment below ground at Karangahape Rd. We need to make sure people feel safe and welcome when they come above ground.
“We want the CRL to be a huge success for K’ Rd. This is about getting the right agencies around the table and acting before there is another serious incident.”