Five wounded, three critically, in Kiwi supermarket knife attack
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says there is no evidence a stabbing attack in Dunedin is a domestic terror attack.
Five people were taken to Dunedin Hospital on Monday afternoon after the shock attack at a supermarket in the South Island city.
St John confirmed three people have critical injuries and another two were moderately injured in the attack.
Ambulances attended the scene within minutes of being notified, about 2.30pm (NZST) on Monday.
One man was taken into custody after armed police attended the scene.
The attack took place at the Countdown Dunedin Central, just metres from the iconic Dunedin Railway Station and the cityās heart, the Octagon.
Witnesses told news website Stuff the attacker was āquite a messy little fellowā with curly hair, who was walked to the police station, located on the same block.
Countdown spokeswoman Kiri Hannafin said two of the injured were employees.
A statement from the company said they were āshocked and devastatedā, and the store would be closed until Wednesday.
āWe are deeply upset that customers who tried to help our team members were also injured,ā it read.
āOur priority right now is our injured team members and caring for our wider team in the wake of this extremely traumatic event.ā
Ardern called the attack āhugely concerningā, and that it was too early to prescribe motivations.
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āNothing at this stage suggests that it is domestic terror,ā she said.
āOur thoughts are with all those whoāve been affected by this attack.ā
Reports also suggested the man was tackled and apprehended inside the store before police arrived.
āI want to acknowledge the really early reports of courageous acts by bystanders,ā Ardern said.
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