Hundreds of mostly young people were involved in a huge street brawl in the Hutt Valley, police say.
A statement from police this afternoon said several calls were received at around 5.30pm yesterday, with locals reporting a “large group of people fighting” on High St in Taita, around Walter Nash Stadium and the surrounding area.
“There were reportedly up to 200 people involved," Hutt Valley Area Commander Inspector Robert Rutene said. "Mainly youth, including students from local schools.”
The group was dispersed by police and no charges were laid.
The region has experienced a “handful of significant incidents this week”, Rutene said, including a serious assault on Monday and a heavy response to a man with a firearm which forced schools to lock down.
“Our enquiries have determined these incidents were unrelated and we have dedicated teams investigating both,” Rutene said.
A 26-year-old man was arrested following the firearms incident and has appeared in the Hutt Valley District Court, charged with resisting police and using a firearm against police.
Rutene said Taita residents "“can expect to see police throughout the area to provide some comfort and reassurance to locals".
"It is never ideal when several significant incidents take place over such a short period, and we can reassure you that police will continue to work hard to ensure you are safe and feel safe."
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