A man who allegedly stabbed a woman in the neck with a screwdriver may have got rid of his clothes before police arrived.
Police have arrested a Christchurch 68-year-old, who knows the victim. He will appear in the Christchurch District Court today charged with wounding with intent to cause greivous bodily harm.
Police were called to a New Brighton home about 1.15am.
The 46-year-old victim has undergone surgery in Christchurch Hospital. She was in a critical but stable condition, police said.
Police believed the offender may have changed his clothing before officers arrived.
They asked anyone who found discarded adult clothes in the area to contact police immediately.
Forensic staff and detectives were still at the house. They expected to complete the scene examination today.
Second stabbing in city since Christmas
The incident comes five days after a man was fatally stabbed in Christchurch on Christmas Day.
Hardeep Singh, 26, died on Monday from his injuries. He was stabbed in the suburb of Cashmere.
A 22-year-old woman, who has name suppression, has been charged with his murder and will appear in court again next month.
The Indian High Commission hopes Mr Singh's body will be returned to India by early next week.
Indian media reported Mr Singh's family were distraught at the delay and pleaded with the government for help.
Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said in a tweet she had given instructions to the High Commissioner in New Zealand.
Spokesperson Sandeep Sood said the Indian High Commission was working with Mr Singh's family, including a cousin who lived in New Zealand, and the funeral home, which was preparing Mr Singh's body for the flight.
Mr Sood said the High Commission would cover the cost of returning Mr Singh's body to India.
