Footage has emerged showing a gang of youths attacking an Invercargill resident out of nowhere - and locals say it's not the first time this group has caused trouble.
A video doing the rounds on Facebook shows the young people intimidating a man leaving a dairy on Thursday evening.
One of the minors in a basketball jersey lands a punch before the scuffle ends up on the road and an accomplice joins in.
The clip was posted by a fake profile under the name of Jane Smith; she told Newshub she made the profile to protect herself from backlash.
Ms Smith says she believes the assault led to the victim having seizures.
She says she witnessed the same group blocking three older teenagers from getting into a car earlier this month - one of them was punched.
Ms Smith says she posted the video so the youth could be held accountable, and says she's previously been told police can't do much due to their ages.
Police have confirmed the incident on the corner of Elles Rd and Grace St was reported to them and say they're on the right track to identifying the youths involved.
"Police will not tolerate anyone, regardless of their age, using violence and intimidation against other members of the public," acting Senior Sergeant Jared Kirk says.
"This is assault and anyone who is found to be involved in activities such as this can expect to face criminal charges."
Another resident, who wants to remain anonymous out of fears for her safety, says more should be done.
"This is a daily occurrence and people are scared. I have witnessed first-hand what these youths are capable of. Moving these kids on isn't enough because they just regroup," she told Newshub.
Snr Srg Jared Kirk says they can't be everywhere at once and rely on public support, and urge any onlookers to report violent behaviour immediately.
Newshub.
