Northland homicide: 14-year-old boy arrested after stabbing in pub

Police arrested a 14-year-old boy after a man was stabbed to death last night in a Northland tavern.

Police said emergency services were called to a tavern on Opua Paihia Main Rd, State Highway 11 on Opua in the Bay of Islands.

They found a 22-year-old man on the ground outside with serious stab wounds and, despite the efforts of St John’s staff, he died on the way to hospital.

Detective Sgt. Mark Dalzell said police spoke to several people present at the scene and arrested a 14-year-old boy who was now assisting police with investigations.

Charges are likely to be filed, he said.

The police would not be in a position to release the name of the victim until all the closest family members have been informed.

“We will ensure that your family is supported in an extremely difficult time,” Dalzell said.

Dalzell appealed for any member of the public who was in the area last night and heard or saw anything they think may be relevant to the investigation to contact Kerikeri Police at 105.

Those who lived and worked in the area could expect a small disruption today, as police continue to examine the scene outside RoadRunner Tavern.

State Highway 11 was not closed, but there would be several police personnel in the area, Dalzell said.

No further information was available at this stage, but the police would provide an update later that day.