Two dead after Epsom stabbing
A man and woman were found dead with what appear to be stab wounds at an address in Epsom, Auckland, police say.
Detective Inspector Scott Beard spoke to media yesterday afternoon after police were earlier called to an address at The Drive, Epsom after reports of a stabbing about 11.30am and found two people with critical injuries. The pair died despite efforts to help them.
Beard said they were a man and a woman. He said two other people were taken to hospital — one in a critical condition, and one with superficial wounds.
He said the person with serious injuries was undergoing surgery, while the one with minor injuries had spoken to police.
At this stage police were not looking for any other suspects, and they did not believe there was a risk to the public, he said.
He said post-mortems would be carried out this weekend and police were still waiting to formally identify everyone.
It appeared that the two deceased were known to each other, he said, but he could not give that assurance at this point.
“We will come back with updated information as we have it,” Beard said.
Police put a scene guard place.
Part of the police investigation will be providing victim support to the family members involved, he said.
St John Ambulance said there was a rapid response team, three incident managers and one crew on-site.
An RNZ reporter near the scene yesterday said there was a cordon and police vehicles nearby. in
An area of Green Lane West and The Drive was cordoned off to pedestrians.
MP for Epsom, Act’s David Seymour, said he was shocked and saddened by the fatal stabbing in his electorate.
Seymour said the incident was tragic for the community.
He said it was important police were able to do their job and that the privacy of people connected with the incident was respected.
“There will no doubt be a lot of questions, and our community will want and deserve to know how and why this happened. In the meantime we need to respect the appropriate processes.
“My thoughts are with those lost and those who have lost in this tragic incident.”
Neighbour Reva Kaushal was home with her husband and two daughters when the incident began
but had heard nothing. She only realised something was happening when police cars began arriving.
In three years living in the area she had never heard any trouble.
“I’m really shocked . . . and I’m a bit scared.”
Her husband said he saw “an old man with a bandage on his hand”.
Neighbour Reva Kaushal said the first she knew of the incident was when police cars arrived.
Another neighbour, Audrey Zhao, said she was home with her children, aged 6 and 9 and had not heard any indication of a problem.
She was relieved to have her children with her.
“Today is a teacher-only day, which is so lucky. I’m definitely nervous because it’s so close to us.
“The kids aren’t scared, but as an adult I’m glad we have security at our home.”