Knife threat defused

Police negotiated with a knifeman who took a woman hostage for 40 minutes before he let her go. Westfield Manukau was evacuated after the man grabbed an unknown woman and held her at knifepoint for about 90 minutes about 8.30am yesterday. Counties Manukau Area Commander Inspector Adam Pyne said the victim was “picked randomly”. The scene was evacuated. Police negotiated for about 40 minutes before the man dropped the knife, which had a five-inch blade. “The victim in this matter is understandably shaken but fortunately was not harmed by the alleged offender,’” Pyne said. The man has been charged with kidnapping.