‘They were screaming, crying’

Person in custody after woman stabbed to death at afternoon party.

Awoman was stabbed to death at a party in Te Atatu yesterday afternoon. Police were called to the School Rd house shortly after 4pm following reports a woman had been stabbed. She died soon after.

Police said a person was in custody.

A witness at the scene described seeing a woman in her 20s or 30s being taken away by police.

Late last night the victim’s body was taken from the scene while family performed a haka. Relatives, who had been waiting for hours in the chilly night, were allowed through the police cordon to form a guard of honour as the body was loaded into a hearse.

It’s understood the dead woman, who had reportedly been at the house to get her nails done, was in her mid 30s and had two children.

Neighbours described seeing a large gathering at the house yesterday afternoon.

About six or seven cars had been parked outside with several dozen people inside being served food and drinks.

A woman who lived nearby said she heard loud screaming and yelling about 3pm. She took it to be a domestic argument.

Shortly afterwards she heard one or more motorbikes either leave the house or drive past.

Another resident said he saw paramedics rushing inside with a stretcher and then return a few minutes later with the stretcher still empty.

After the stabbing a group of about 15 people in their mid 20s stood outside, along with about 10 police officers, an ambulance and a St John rapid response vehicle.

“The people from the house were crying and screaming — it looked like they’d been having a party,” said a witness.

Forensic investigators were at the scene last night. Police said they were talking to a person of interest and inquiries were continuing.