Man in court after four people stabbed, gun fired in Hamilton knife attack

A man is due to appear in court on assault charges in relation to the weekend's mass stabbing in Hamilton.Four people received knife wounds on Churchill Avenue, Maeroa, on Saturday night.One person remains in hospital in stable condition, and three others have since been discharged.A 23-year-old is due to appear in Hamilton District Court on Monday, charged with aggravated burglary, two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and attempted murder.Police described the situation, which also involved a gun being fired, as frightening and disturbing for neighbours.Inspector Karl Thornton said police were alerted to the incident on Churchill Avenue just before 9pm on Saturday.Police said as the attack unfolded, one victim fled on foot to seek help at a nearby property and was followed there. It is alleged an occupant there fired a gun, but caused no injury.Hamilton mayor Tim Macindoe said his thoughts were with all of those affected by what he calls a deeply concerning situation.Rhiannon Connor who lives on Churchill Avenue, said she had heard screaming on Saturday night as the incident unfolded."I heard like bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and I was like, holy f***, what's that?"Connor was worried the person would show up at her house next.Police said scene examinations were completed and officers would be continuing enquiries in the Churchill Avenue area.