Two more youths have been arrested following a series of unprovoked violent assaults on people who had been "lured" via dating apps in Invercargill.
On Tuesday, two 15-year-old and two 16-year-old males were charged with aggravated burglary following an "intensive investigation" into the assaults, which occurred over a weekend earlier this month.
Southland area prevention manager acting inspector Mel Robertson earlier said inquiries had established there were four separate incidents where dating applications had been "deliberately used to lure victims to various locations, with the intent of violently assaulting them".
Robertson today confirmed a further two teenagers had been arrested.
The youths appeared in the Invercargill Youth Court today.
A 15-year-old male was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, while a 17-year-old male was charged with aggravated robbery causing grievous bodily harm.
"Across all incidents identified, police have observed a consistent and highly concerning pattern of behaviour, where victims have been deliberately lured using dating applications and then violently assaulted," she said.
"This reinforces the serious, deliberate nature of this offending.
"Police remain focused on identifying and holding all those involved to account, and further enforcement action remains likely as inquiries continue."
'One more kick and the outcome could have been fatal'
Robertson previously said the offending was "deliberate, coordinated and extremely dangerous".
"The level of violence inflicted is deeply concerning, and it is nothing short of luck that the victims were not seriously injured."
She said the reality is stark. "One more strike, one more kick, and the outcome could have been fatal."
Police said it was also concerned about the apparent influence of online and social media trends which appear to encourage and glorify this type of offending.
"Let us be clear — this behaviour is completely unacceptable," Robertson added.
"These youths are old enough to understand exactly what they are doing, and choosing to engage in harmful, trend-driven behaviour that endangers others will not be excused, and it will carry serious consequences."
Robertson encouraged the public to take care when engaging with people online, and to report any suspicious behaviour immediately.
"If you have information, come forward. You will help prevent further harm."
Police added it remained committed to protecting the community, and would pursue anyone involved in this type of offending.
"If you think this behaviour is a game or a trend, you are wrong. The consequences are real, and police will hold you to account," it said.
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