Police say it appears an altercation involving neighbours has left three people with critical and serious injuries in South Auckland

The incident happened in the suburb of Takanini shortly before eight last night.

A nearby business owner told the New Zealand Herald he believes three people were stabbed and that there were small children with them at the time.

Hato Hone St John says ambulances were quickly dispatched - with the injured taken to hospital.

The suspect escaped the scene in a car but was found by the Police Eagle helicopter a short time later.