Police investigating a stabbing in broad daylight on a Christchurch street are urging potential witnesses to come forward.

Emergency services were called to the reports of a grievous assault on Fitzgerald Ave around 12.20pm yesterday.

Detective Sergeant Ben Rolton, Christchurch Metro Crime, said a scene guard was put in place around the property overnight.

“Police are completing a scene examination which is expected to finish today,” he said.

“Police will maintain an increased presence in the area as they carry out their enquiries and would like to reassure the public there is not believed to be any further threats to public safety.

“The victim from the incident remains in hospital, in a stable condition.”

He said police are now appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the assault.

“The investigating team are looking for any photos, CCTV, or dashcam footage along Fitzgerald Avenue between Cambridge Terrace and Bealey Avenue between 12.15pm and 12.45pm on Monday 9 February 2026 to aid in their enquiries,” he said.

“If you have witnessed the incident or have dashcam footage available covering travel between the section of road, please contact police and quote file number 260209/0262.”

Police at the scene this morning. Photo / Rosie Leishman

Earlier, a neighbour of the man said he had “never, ever” witnessed such a scene.

A neighbour, who the Herald has agreed not to name, said while “it’s not the greatest area”, nothing like this had happened before.

“It’s pretty bad,” he said.

“I’ve never, ever in my life been in a scene like that.

“I don’t want anything like that happening again.”

He recalled seeing the victim’s father in distress as another neighbour rushed to help the man who had reportedly been stabbed.

“It was upsetting his dad, because he thought he was going to die,” he said.

“He’s lost a lot of blood.”

The neighbour said he understood three generations lived at the home, including a child.

Forensic teams at the scene today. Photo / Rosie Leishman

Today, forensic teams entered the home, focusing on an array of items, including clothing, left sprawled across the driveway.

A scene guard remained in place at the home overnight, with a police tent still at the front of the home this morning.

A black van, which sat in the driveway, has also been driven out by police.

Police said yesterday a person had been taken into custody, but has since determined that information “was not accurate”.

“Our initial information, that was provided to some media, was that one person was taken into custody, but later was determined this was not accurate.”

Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.