Three members of the public probably saved a woman's life when they intervened in a violent assault in Whangarei on Friday, police say.
Senior Sergeant Dan Cleaver said a 20-year-old man and 21-year-old woman were arguing near a bus stop on Kamo Rd when the man started assaulting the woman.
Two men and one woman stepped in to stop the violence.
The offender allegedly turned on the three people and started punching them while continuing his assault on the female victim.
He then took off but was arrested by police a short time later.
Mr Cleaver said the bravery of the three members of the public probably saved the woman's life as the attack was "very violent".
"We encourage people to take a stand against family violence and police would like to thank the three people for having the courage to intervene and stop the violence."
The 20-year-old man has appeared in the Whangarei District Court on charges of assault, possession of a knife and resisting police. He was remanded in custody to appear again on March 10.
