Police identify suspect in fatal bus stabbing as Kael Leona

Police have identified the suspect in a fatal stabbing on an Auckland bus as Kael Leona.

Leona was last seen in Onehunga, where he was photographed wearing a black hoodie and with a green t-shirt tied around his head. He was carrying a black backpack

Leona is known to police, though this is his first known involvement in a violent crime.

It is not known at this stage why the victim was targeted.

Leona’s family is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

A post mortem and formal identification of the victim will be carried out over the coming days.

Anyone who sees Leona is advised not to approach him and to contact police on 111 immediately.