The patient who attempted to strangle a nurse at Auckland's Middlemore Hospital on Monday was reportedly dropped off by police at ED, and unprovoked before the attack.

Fire and Emergency are warning people to be mindful of the products they purchase over the summer period with lithium batteries after the number of fires has doubled in four years.

Wildfires menacing Los Angeles have killed at least 10 people and devoured nearly 10,000 structures, with five fires burning into a third night as dry desert winds fanning the flames again gather strength.