Police break up 200-person brawl in Taitā, Lower Hutt

  • 01/03/2024
Police car.
Police car. Photo credit: Newshub.

Police from across the lower North Island were called in to break up a large fight of about 200 people in Taitā, Lower Hutt.

It was the latest incident in what police say was an "eventful week".

The brawl on Thursday was made up of mostly youths, including students from local schools, Hutt Valley Area Commander Inspector Robert Rutene said in the statement on Friday.

Officers from Wellington, Kapiti and Porirua were called in to assist Hutt Valley police.

The group was dispersed and no charges have been filed in relation to the incident.

"This behaviour will not be tolerated by police and staff will respond and, where appropriate, take enforcement action," Insp Rutene said.

He added police had a visible presence in the area on Friday, providing reassurance to residents following several crimes in the area.

A 26-year-old has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm following an assault on Monday. The accused is next due to appear in Hutt Valley District Court on March 14.

"We believe those involved in this incident were known to each other," Insp Rutene said.

Also, a 25-year-old man arrested following an armed standoff with police on Tuesday has appeared in Hutt Valley District Court on charges of resisting police and using a firearm against police.

"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," Insp Rutene said.