• Emergency services responded to a serious assault on Auckland’s North Shore, with a man critically injured.
• Police believe the man received injuries from stab wounds and have blocked off Birkenhead Ave for investigation.
• Witnesses are urged to contact police with any information or sightings of a fleeing vehicle.

An early childcare centre was forced into lockdown after a critically injured man “completely drenched in blood” was found with stab wounds on Auckland’s North Shore this afternoon.

Police said a man was located with critical injuries on Birkenhead Ave by a member of the public just after 2pm.

“At this early stage we believe the man has sustained stab wounds and he has been taken to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition,” Waitematā field crime manager Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison said.

Armed police could be seen blocking off Birkenhead Ave, with emergency tape stretched across both sides of the road.

“We drove past when [it] just happened. Man completely drenched in blood on the ground, made me so upset to see. Really hope he’s okay but [it] doesn’t look good,” one witness recalled on social media.

Police have closed Birkenhead Ave in Birkenhead after a man was located with critical stab wounds this afternoon. Photo / Sylvie Whinray

A witness said the man looked in terrible condition.

“The policewoman was in a bit of a panic as the ambulance hadn’t arrived at that point.”

A nearby employee told the Herald they understood there had been some kind of stabbing incident on Birkenhead Ave.

“There’s blood outside on the pavement,” they said.

They said they didn’t see the incident take place but there are now “heaps” of armed police on the street and detectives taking photos of the scene.

“We’re just bunkering down at the moment, we’re not allowed to walk on the street,” they said.

A witness described seeing a man "completely drenched in blood on the ground" shortly after the incident. Photo / Sylvie Whinray

The Herald understands the incident occurred outside early childhood centre Next Generation Birkenhead.

In an email sent to parents, the childcare centre said due to an “active lockdown in the area” they were required to be escorted by police to pick up their child.

”Be assured that there is a heavy police presence, but your child’s safety is our top priority. They are safe, happy, and unaware of the ongoing situation,” the email read.

”Pickups may be staggered due to the high volume of collections, and we will meet you in the carpark.”

A parent with a child at the childcare centre told the Herald; “With the road being closed as a crime scene they have implemented a number of safety measures and have made special arrangements working with police to ensure smooth pick-ups for our kids.

”We’re grateful that the children are safe and the staff are doing everything to ensure they remain unaware of the situation, keeping them occupied and safe at the same time.”

Armed police guard Birkenhead Ave while a scene examination takes place. Photo / Sylvie Whinray

Hato Hone St John told the Herald it was notified of an assault incident on Birkenhead Ave at 2.01pm.

One patient, in a critical condition, was transported to Auckland City Hospital.

In a statement, police said they would like to hear from the public who may have seen an incident unfold.

“Anyone who may have witnessed something taking place at an address or on the street should contact us,” Harrison said.

“We would also like to hear from anyone with information about a vehicle seen fleeing the scene a short time afterward.”

Northcote-based MP Shanan Halbert called the incident “very distressing for our community” in a post to social media.

”Take care out there everyone. It’s a busy time with our tamariki back at school and people travelling.”

Auckland Transport warns Birkenhead Ave between Onewa Rd and Pupuke Rd is currently closed.

“Avoid this area or expect delays with diversions in place affecting all traffic, including bus services.”

A scene examination will take place this afternoon.

“Our investigation is still in the early stages in determining exactly what has taken place in Birkenhead this afternoon,” Harrison said.

“The public will see an increased presence of our staff in the area, and we appreciate the public’s understanding while our staff carry out their work at the scene.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 105 using the reference number P061509544.