Waipukurau attack: Man on run after house fire and violent attack on woman

Police have issued a warrant to arrest a 51-year-old man over a violent attack on a woman and a house fire in Central Hawke’s Bay.

Detective Senior Sergeant Sally Patrick said emergency services were called to a suspicious house fire at a Woburn Street property in Waipukurau on Tuesday.

A woman who lives at the house was found at a nearby property and taken by ambulance to Hawke’s Bay Hospital where she remained in a stable condition on Thursday, Patrick said.

“Developments in the investigation have led police to charge Mr Pineaha with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and his warrant was issued this morning.”

Patrick said police were not ruling out further charges.

“We encourage Mr Pineaha to hand himself in and help us understand the events of October 24.

“His whereabouts are currently unknown and he should not be approached.”

She urged people to report sightings of Pineaha to 111 immediately, referencing the file number 231024/7497.

Patrick said police were continuing to provide support to the victim and her whanau at what was a “very distressing time”.

“We would like to thank the public for the information they have shared so far, which has been invaluable for our ongoing enquiries.”