22 Aug 2015

79-year-old arrested over solvent attack

5:59 pm on 22 August 2015

A 79-year-old man has been arrested over an attack with solvent outside the Nelson City Council building earlier this week.

Lewis Stanton.

Lewis Stanton was the victim of an early morning chemical attack. Photo: RNZ / Alison Hossain

Local man Lewis Stanton was sleeping rough outside the entrance to the council office about 6.45am on Wednesday when the attack occurred. He was taken to Nelson Hospital with solvent burns to his mouth and throat.

Nelson Bays Police confirmed today that a man has been charged with assault over the attack.

He has been bailed to appear in the Nelson District Court on 31 August.

Nelson police have thanked the public for coming forward with helpful information.