Armed police and dog units are searching the Foxton area for a person after a serious assault in Whangaehu left one person in a critical condition.
Emergency services were called to an address on Whangaehu Village Rd, southeast of Whanganui, at about 11.50am today following reports of a serious assault.
St John said crews treated one patient in a critical condition before transporting them to Whanganui Hospital.
Manawatū acting area commander Inspector Phil Ward said an alleged offender had left the scene in a vehicle before police arrived.
Officers located and pursued the vehicle as it travelled towards Foxton, where it was abandoned on Bergin Rd at about 12.40pm, he said.
The vehicle travelled about 65km before it was dumped in the Horowhenua town.
"Police are making area enquiries in Foxton to locate the person, with assistance from police dog units and armed staff."
Ward said Foxton residents could expect to see an increased police presence while enquiries continued.
Footage provided to 1News showed several police cars, including undercover vehicles, in the town.
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