Waitakere Police say the 18 year old Auckland man who was seriously injured in a violent street clash in the West Auckland suburb of Te Atatu last weekend, is still in hospital, where his condition has progressed from critical to stable.
Police were called to Halyard Place in Te Atatu North early on Sunday 28 October 2007, where they found the 18 year old male victim unconscious on the footpath. A group of more than 20 youths were earlier engaged in a violent clash on the street.
Six youths were arrested at the scene and jointly charged with wounding with intent to injure. All six have appeared in court and are presently on bail with name suppression until their next appearance in a fortnight.
Detective Inspector Steve Wood says there's been criticism levelled at police by some persons that officers were slow to arrive at the incident.
"This is regrettable and totally incorrect. Police were on the scene within seven minutes which is well within the time frames we aspire to," he said.
"The fact that six offenders were quickly identified and arrested, clearly demonstrates the nature of urgency given to this priority one incident by Police."
"No similar incidents of this nature have occurred in this particular street this year. Such an event is rare in this sector of West Auckland and we hope it will be the last."
"CIB staff are continuing their enquiries and gathering further evidence as to the cause of this violent street clash, and there's a strong possibility further charges will be laid against those persons involved," Inspector Wood said.