Police are investigating after a van was shot at during a rugby game in Hawke's Bay yesterday afternoon, with the violence thought to be gang-related.
Prior to the shots, officers were called to Hawke's Bay Rugby Club at at Bill Mathewson Park in Hastings.
"Police arrived and separated the parties, where the group was dispersed. No injuries were sustained in either incident," a spokesperson said.
"Those involved are believed to be gang-linked and the shots appear to have been targeted at an opposing gang."
The game between Tamatea and YMP was abandoned because of gang intimidation on Saturday. (Source: 1News)
Hawke's Bay Rugby Union boss Jay Campbell told 1News the game between Tamatea and YMP was abandoned because of "gang intimidation".
He said it was "nothing to do with anything on field", but that there were gang affiliations among the spectators.
The NZ Herald has reported that it was the visiting rugby team's van targeted and it was "peppered with shotgun rounds".
A photo of the van shows holes in its back window and denting around the top back left corner.
The YMP club captain and coach described the scene as awful. He told 1News he was driving the team van as it was shot at and rammed.
He hopes to have a frank conversation with Hawke’s Bay Rugby soon, but said the team are still ready to lace up their boots for next weeks game.
Nui Bartlett, who is associated with the rugby club, said he was at his home near the park on Saturday afternoon when his partner let him know there was a commotion going on.
Police are now investigating gang links after a violent clash between supporters broke out during a club game in Hastings. (Source: 1News)
"I went over there to make sure everyone was safe," he told 1News.
"When I got over there, there was quite a large gang presence and it didn't look too inviting."
He said a lot of people that were there weren't there just to watch the rugby.
"When something like this happens it's totally out of our hands and we get tarnished with it, like it's our fault.
"If violence is the only reason for coming down, the message would be to just stay home, or if you really want to be down there, put on a jersey come to training and have a game," Bartlett said.
Another nearby resident Nicholas Richards said he heard a commotion down the street and saw a lot of police cars.
"As a wise person once said to me we need to calm the farm and we need to work together as a community," he said.
Richards added there has been an uptick of violent incidents in the community recently.
Police said they have spoken with a number of witnesses and one person who was involved in the incident.
They would like to speak with anyone who has further information.
SHARE ME