Service station man stabbed in head and face

A PETROL station attendant was stabbed several times during a ‘‘vicious and callous’’ earlymorning attack in Levin.

The attacker, who was wearing a bandana to cover his or her face and carrying what appeared to be a knife, entered the Oxford St petrol station about 4.30am on Sunday and stabbed the attendant at least three times in his head, face and arm, police said.

The person’s gender was unclear, because of the diguise. He or she demanded cigarettes, took an unknown amount and left, police said.

The victim called emergency services and was taken to Palmerston North Hospital. His cuts were not life-threatening and he was in a stable condition in hospital yesterday afternoon, Detective Mike Deegan said.

‘‘We are providing support to the victim, who has been left shaken from this vicious and callous attack.’’

Police were hoping the public could help identify the attacker through CCTV images captured during the incident.

‘‘It is vital that we speak with anyone that may have any information about this incident and we have released some CCTV images in the hope that the public may be able to help us identify the offender,’’ Deegan said.

A scene examination had been completed. Police wanted to hear from anyone in the area around the service station between 3.30am and 4.15am yesterday, who noticed any suspicious activity or vehicles.

‘‘The navy and white coloured shoes the offender is wearing in the CCTV image are quite distinctive, so we hope someone will recognise who this person is,’’ Deegan said.

The attack comes after a recent series of break-ins targeting businesses between Wellington and Levin.

Asked if the latest attack was linked, police said: ‘‘At this early stage, we have not established any connections between other recent crimes.’’

Police have urged anyone with information to contact Detective Constable Joe Pointon on (06) 210 2219.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

‘The navy and white coloured shoes the offender is wearing in the CCTV image are quite distinctive.’

Detective Mike Deegan