A man has been arrested following police raids on two houses in Aranui this afternoon.

Police confirmed to Chris Lynch Media the raids are linked to the stabbing in Bexley.

“I can confirm police are conducting enquiries at two properties in Corhampton Street, Aranui, in relation to the serious assault in Bexley Park on Monday morning” a police spokeswoman said.

A man remains in Christchurch hospital in a critical condition, after he was repeatedly stabbed while out walking his dog near the Pages Rd entrance to Bexley Reserve on Monday morning.

Neighbour Christopher Puaaelo said about 12 police officers and detectives were outside the houses just before 3pm.

He said a man in his 20s was arrested and put in a police car surrounded by officers and detectives.

Police were then going through rubbish bins outside the houses.

Puaaelo said he knew the victim of the stabbing and said he walked his dog in the area at the same time every morning.

Another resident said police seized a white Toyota Vitz with a smashed-out back window, fitting the description of the vehicle police were seeking in connection to the stabbing.

Police remain at the scene on Corhampton Street at 7pm.

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