The stabbing of an elderly man at his Mataura home has shocked the small Southland settlement.
In a statement yesterday, police said they were investigating the stabbing of an elderly man at his home in Main St on Saturday night.
An unknown man had entered the property about 10pm, demanding money from the occupant of the flat, Sergeant Scott MacKenzie said.
''When the victim said he didn't have any money, the offender stabbed him once in the chest before fleeing the scene,'' Sgt MacKenzie said.
The victim received serious injuries and was taken to Southland Hospital, where he remained in a critical but stable condition yesterday.
Mataura Community Board chairman Alan Taylor, who farms on the outskirts of the town, told the Otago Daily Times he was shocked to hear of the attack.
''It's a real concern. You hear of them happening in different communities and you say 'well, never in our community'.
''When it happens in your own community it's a real concern,'' he said.
Sgt MacKenzie said he wanted to reassure the community.
''We understand that members of the community will be concerned by this incident, and we are committed to making sure the offender is held accountable for his actions and the victim receives the justice he deserves.
''We are working very hard to identify and catch the offender, and if you have concerns at all, please do not hesitate in calling 111.''
The offender was described as being of average height and build, and at the time of the attack was wearing a grey hoodie and dark pants.
He was believed to have headed towards the Mataura Railway Station after the attack, and police appealed for anyone in the area around the time of the stabbing to make contact.
Sgt Scott MacKenzie, Invercargill Police Station, (03) 211-0400, or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
