Two people have been arrested after a man had his hand cut off during a serious assault in the Bay of Plenty on Sunday.
The 27-year-old lost his hand and suffered head injuries in the assault, which took place near a Gull petrol station in the small town of Tāneatua, near Whakatāne.
In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, police said two men - aged 31 and 26 - have appeared in the Whakatāne District Court facing wounding with intent charges.
On Monday, the assaulted man was in a serious but stable condition in Waikato Hospital.
Police said the alleged assault happened near the service station and not on its forecourt.
The assault is still under investigation, police said, adding anyone with more information should get in touch.
"Police would like to speak with anyone who either witnessed the incident, or saw a black coloured Great Wall ute in the Taneatua or Ruatoki area in the afternoon.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 105 and quote file number 200621/9344."
