The public has played a crucial role in the arrest of a man in Ōamaru yesterday, following three serious incidents in the space of 24 hours, which landed two people in hospital.

A 27-year-old Ōamaru man faces several charges which include four counts of assault with intent to injure, wounding with intent to commit grievous bodily harm, and two counts of burglary.

Sergeant Tony Woodbridge says investigations are ongoing into the incidents, two of which involved offenders allegedly entering residential addresses.

The first occurred on Queens Crescent at 11.45pm on Tuesday (May 6), where one person was assaulted, while the second assault occurred at a Thames Highway address at 4am on Wednesday, Sgt Woodbridge says.

Two people were taken to Ōamaru Hospital with moderate injuries.

On Wednesday, police were called to an assault at Centennial Park at 4.20pm, where a woman had been knocked unconscious.

A white station wagon then drove at the offender, before ramming a black Subaru Legacy, which the alleged offender then left in, police say.

The victim left the scene in the station wagon.

Sgt Woodbridge says the incident occurred in a busy area with several people around and hockey games being played nearby.

“We would like to hear from anyone who was near the Centennial Park carpark, who saw or filmed the assault, or the vehicles leaving,” he says.

While incidents like this are “unsettling”, those involved are believed to be known to each other.

“I want to assure the Ōamaru community that these were not random acts of violence, and we are doing everything we can to hold those responsible to account,” he says.

“We are still working to determine why this offending took place, and inquiries are ongoing to locate other people who may have been involved.

“Police want to thank the members of the public who have assisted us with information so far.”

Police still want to hear from anyone who may have witnessed these events or has information that can help them.

Call 105 using the reference number 250507/6833, or phone Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.