Indian-origin man charged with attempted murder

An Indian-origin man has been charged with attempted murder of a woman and sent to custody by the Hamilton district court in New Zealand, the media reported on Friday.

Manjit Singh, 47, was accused of attacking a 50-year-old woman from Hamilton city with a ceremonial sword on Wednesday, Stuff.co.nz news website reported.

Pukekohe town resident Singh was arrested on Thursday and faces charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, physically abusing a protected person while a protection order was in force against him, and using a weapon to commit an imprisonable offence -- namely assault, the report said.

The victim sustained severe injuries to her head and arms and has undergone surgery.

Following the attack, a manhunt was launched to locate Singh.

Singh was also under mental health care.

"The Mason Clinic and the Ministry of Health have confirmed that the man sought by Hamilton police for an alleged serious assault on his partner was under the care of forensic mental health services," a statement in the court said.

The court said a formal investigation into the incident would be announced soon. Singh will next appear in the high court in Hamilton on November 18.