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Gangs clash in streets of Wanganui
01 March 2006
By BRITTON BROUN
Two gang members were taken to hospital and fire fighters washed blood off the
street after the Mongrel Mob and Hell's Angels fought each other in Wanganui.
The vicious assault took place at a Wanganui East petrol station about noon
yesterday, but the fight continued outside Wanganui Hospital 90 minutes later.
Police were unable to confirm reports of gunshots.
They arrested four gang members for possession of offensive weapons and on
driving charges. A fifth gang member was arrested shortly after and more arrests
are expected. Those arrested will appear in Wanganui District Court today.
One of the injured men was treated for facial injuries and later discharged. The
other was admitted with head injuries.
Senior Sergeant Duncan MacLeod said the streets were no place for gangs to sort
out their differences. Such behaviour would be dealt with quickly and
effectively.
Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws said the city would not be intimidated by gang
violence.
"Wanganui belongs to decent people – these feuding gangs need to get the message
that their violent lawlessness will not be tolerated."
Gang violence in the city was no worse than in other provinces, but with the
tacit acceptance of gangs violence was inevitable.
Mr Laws called for the Government to give police the staff and resources needed
to deal with gangs. The city had six fewer frontline police than in 2002.
