Man arrested after suspected backpackers stabbed in Parnell, Auckland central

A man has been arrested and charged after a suspected backpacker stabbed in one of Auckland’s most exclusive suburbs.

The 33-year-old man appeared in Auckland District Court today after an incident at a pension on St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell, yesterday afternoon.

He has been charged with injuring with the intent to cause serious bodily harm.

Police and emergency services were called to backpackers at City Garden Lodge yesterday after a man was reported to have been stabbed in the back.

Two witnesses told the Herald they had seen three people, including the victim, covered in blood after what is believed to be an argument.

The victim, a man who, according to neighbors, was in his 20s, was taken to Auckland City Hospital in serious condition.

However, a spokeswoman for the Auckland District Health Board confirmed this afternoon that the victim was no longer in their care.

In addition to today’s arrest, a woman was arrested at the scene yesterday. The two detainees are believed to be a couple.