Four injured in Hamilton knife attack, firearm discharged - police

<p>One person is in critical condition, and three others are also injured after a "large-scale incident" in Hamilton that allegedly saw a victim chased into a nearby property, where an occupant fired a gun, police say.</p> <p>The incident unfolded on Churchill Ave in the suburb of Maeroa about 8.55pm, police said, when emergency services were called to "reports of a serious assault".</p> <p>Four people had been taken to Waikato hospital with suspected knife wounds, where one victim remains in critical condition. The others face "non-life threatening" injuries.</p> <p>Hato Hone St John said four ambulances, two rapid response units and a manager were sent to the scene.</p> <p>Sergeant Luke Thompson said one of the victims fled on foot to a nearby home to seek assistance and was followed there by the offender. </p> <p>"It is alleged that a firearm was discharged by an occupant at that property, without causing injury," he said in a media release.</p> <p>A 23-year-old man was arrested after officers arrived at the scene and will face assault charges on Monday at Hamilton District Court. </p> <p>Police said they are not looking for anyone else.</p> <p>Thompson sought to reassure residents.</p> <p>"We acknowledge that this will have been disruptive and frightening for people in the area and we reassure public that we do not believe there is any ongoing threat to public safety," he said.</p> <p>"There are scene guards, cordons and an increased police presence in the area while we work to understand the circumstances of the incident.</p> <p>"An update will be provided proactively as more information comes to hand."</p> <p>Waikato Duty Inspector Karl Thornton said: "This was a large-scale incident with the scene encompassing several properties and the road, and the public can expect an increased Police presence over the coming days."</p> <p>An increased police presence can be expected across the Maeroa area in the coming days. Information can be provided to police on 105, referencing file number P067322399.</p>