A 27-year-old man has been arrested following three violent incidents in Oamaru within a 24-hour period, with Police appealing for further information from the public.

Sergeant Tony Woodbridge said the man was taken into custody yesterday and has been charged with breaching release conditions, four counts of assault with intent to injure, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and two counts of burglary.

Two of the attacks happened at residential properties. The first took place on Queens Crescent at 11.45pm on Tuesday, where one person was assaulted. A second occurred just hours later, at 4am on Wednesday, at a Thames Highway address, where another person was attacked. Both victims were taken to hospital with moderate injuries.

Later that day, at 4.20pm, Police responded to a serious assault at Centennial Park. A woman was knocked unconscious before a white station wagon drove at the offender, ramming a black Subaru Legacy. The offender then fled in the Subaru, while the victim got into the white vehicle, which then left the scene.

“The third incident occurred in a busy area, in the vicinity of a number of people, and with hockey games being played nearby,” Sergeant Woodbridge said.

“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 said the incidents were not random and those involved are believed to be known to each other.

“Such serious violent incidents are always of concern, and we know this will be unsettling. I want to assure the Oamaru community that these were not random acts of violence, and we are doing everything we can to hold those responsible to account.”

Police are continuing their investigation and are still working to identify others who may have been involved.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police by calling 105 and referencing file number 250507/6833. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.