Five people have been injured at a Santa parade in Auckland's Avondale this morning after a Burger Fuel-branded car reportedly hit a brass band.
Police said a car experienced a "mechanical malfunction" and collided with two pedestrians standing in front of the stage on Great North Rd around 11.45am.
Inspector Jacqui Whittaker said that three of the injuries were sustained when the occupants of the vehicle were confronted.
"Unfortunately a small group of people took it upon themselves to retaliate, and three people - including two children - were pulled from the vehicle and assaulted."
She said that police were in attendance working to identify those responsible for the assault and were working closely with parade organisers, the driver of the vehicle, and Burger Fuel.
"We understand this was an unsettling event, where multiple people have become injured, and not the end to the parade which was wanted.
"However, police want to send a clear message - please do not take matters into your own hands."
A spokesperson for St John told 1News they responded to the incident with three ambulances, one rapid response unit and one manager.
"We assessed and treated five patients in a minor condition at the scene, and one patient in a serious condition who was transported to Auckland Hospital."
An eyewitness at the scene said the car hit a brass band, the NZ Herald reports.
Burger Fuel spokesperson Nikki Soons said in a statement that the company was gathering information about the incident.
"We are shocked to hear about the incident that has occurred involving one of the BurgerFuel promotional vehicles and we are very concerned for anyone injured," she said.
"We do not yet know what caused the accident and are currently gathering all the information.
"We have a Burger Fuel representative at the scene and will be working with police to ascertain what has happened."
The event was Avondale's first-ever Santa parade and was originally scheduled to run from 11am to 2pm.
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