Statement attributable to Detective Sergeant Craig Vining
Hawke’s Bay Police are investigating three serious incidents of anti-social behaviour from over the weekend.
At about 11:30am on Saturday 17 February 2018 a 19-year-old man was attacked in Swansea Village, Flaxmere behind the library. The victim and his eight-year-old year old cousin were attacked by three people riding two horses.
The offenders are described as being in their early teens (13-16 years) wearing red and black clothing and bandanas. The offenders initially used at least one of their horses to kick the victim before they climbed off, assaulted the victim further and took his property. The victim suffered minor injuries and is back home with his family.
CCTV footage of the incident has been obtained and is being reviewed however further information from the community is sought. This group of three offenders would have been quite noticeable given their mode of travel and Police would like to hear from anyone who may have information in relation to the incident.
In a separate incident on Saturday 17 February two men in Heretaunga Street West were attacked by a large group of youths at about 10:40pm. During the incident bottles were thrown by the group, both victims were hurt and were briefly hospitalised. A total of eight young people were located and dealt with by Police, with some of the group expected to face charges in the Youth Court later this week.
Police are also investigating after a second arson attack within a fortnight at Riverslea School, Mayfair, Hastings. At about 11am today 3-4 youths entered the school grounds, they broke into an office, stole property and damaged a worm farm, before setting fire to several areas including heaped up vegetation placed against another classroom. Moderate damage was sustained.
The incident today follows an arson to the school on 6 February 2018 where two small fires were lit, causing damage to the office block.
Small kids in the Mayfair area approached Police when we were going door to door today and many of them were gutted, clearly upset that their school had been targeted.
If anyone has information regarding any of these incidents, they are urged to contact Hawkes Bay Police on (06) 831 0700 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
