Second round of surgery after Palmerston North stabbing

A woman who was stabbed in the face and body at a Palmerston North property where a man was burned to death has had a second round of surgery.

Police said the woman, aged in her mid 30s, underwent further surgery yesterday evening. She was now in a serious but stable condition.

The injured woman and the dead man, aged in his late 60s, are members of the same family. Police were called to the family's Russell St house on Friday evening after neighbours reported yelling.

Police spokeswoman Sara Stavropoulos said this man's body had been removed from the house around noon yesterday.

While a post mortem was being performed today, the extensive nature of the burns he received meant it would take a while for him to be formally identified, she said.

A scene examination of the property was also ongoing.

It is understood children were in the property at the time of the incident.

Ms Stavropoulos said members of the family were with the injured woman in hospital.

"We haven't yet formally spoken with them, given the state they are in. They are completely devastated with what what has happened."

Translators were being organised for the family, who were of Chinese descent, police said.

Officers would speak with them, and the injured woman, when appropriate.

 

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