CUT WITH RAZOR.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 January 1921, Page 5

CUT WITH RAZOR.

“A MURDEROUS ASSAULT.” MAN’S SERIOUS INJURIES. ASSAILANT GETS AWAY. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, Last Night. With a razor slash extending from the right ear to the throat a carrier named Raymond Brownley Rapley lies in hospital to-day as a result of an alleged murderous assault, said f© have been committed by a man named Richard Hitchens. The affray occurred at about six o’clock last night at the corner of Harman and Cotterill Streets, Addington, The police are now hunting for Hitchens, against whom a charge of attempted murder is pending. Rapley was said this morning to have “a sporting chance” of recovery. “I saw two fellows and a woman on the corner of Harman and Cotterill Streets,” said Mr. E. P&rlane, an Addington carrier, describing the affair today. “One man lashed out at the other and they came to grips and fell down on the footpath with their heads in the side channel. I was going over to separate them when one man jumped up with his throat gashed, while the other fellow stood brandishing a razor and the woman ran about screaming. Then the man with the cut throat hung on to her. I left some bystanders to look after him while I went to ring up the police. It all happened in about a minute, ; nd there wer? several people about a - -Jie time.* Frc 4 what 1 can make out the man who cut the other’s throat and the woman had been waiting there for some time.” After the assault Rapley was taken to_hospital, and this afternoon it was reported that Rapley’s wound had been stitched t:p. and that his condition was satis facto; ■ . Hitchens got awuy quickly after the affray, and It is thought he succeeded in getting to Lyttelton and caught the ferry steamer for Wellington night- He is about five feet ten aches in height and is 29 years of age. He is clean shaved and has a dark, sallow complexion. He is described as being of a good strong build. He was wearing a dark tweed suit, and a fawn coloured felt hat.