Photo: 123RF
A man has been arrested following three violent attacks over a 24-hour-period in the north Otago town of Oamaru.
A 27-year-old Oamaru man is facing several charges including four counts of assault, wounding with intent, burglary and breaching release conditions.
Two people were taken to hospital with moderate injuries following separate assaults at residential properties on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Police were called to a third attack at Centennial Park on Wednesday afternoon after a woman was knocked unconscious.
A white station wagon then drove at the offender, before ramming a black Subaru Legacy, police say.
After the offender left in the Subaru, the victim got into the station wagon and the vehicle left the scene.
"The third incident occurred in a busy area, in the vicinity of a number of people, and with hockey games being played nearby," Sergeant Tony Woodbridge said.
"We would like to hear from anyone who was near the Centennial Park carpark, who saw or filmed the assault, or the vehicles leaving."
Sergeant Woodbridge said members of the public had played a key role in the arrest, and while enquiries were continuing, those involved were believed to be known to each other.
Police want to speak to anyone who witnessed the incidents or has other information that could assist.
They can be contacted on 105, using the reference number 250507/6833.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.