A dispute among neighbours ended with an alleged knifing incident at Koronivia, Nausori, on Tuesday.

Under arrest is a man, who allegedly struck his neighbour, Zeby Shamim, on the hand with a cane knife.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said a suspect was in custody and being questioned.

According to family members, the dispute was because of an illegal vehicle painting garage that was operating next door which was claimed to have caused health problems for neighbours.

The incident allegedly got heated up after an officer with the Department of Environment paid a visit to look at complaints lodged by the suspect’s family.

It is alleged that the neighbour got infuriated after being told that there would be no immediate action.

Meanwhile, Mr Shamim claimed that he was not operating a garage, but painting his own vehicles.

He said he owned the three vehicles parked in his garage and was painting them.

Mr Shamim’s landlord, Altaf Khan, said it was lucky that Police responded quickly. He said he had no qualms about his tenant operating from home.

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