About 20 reports of sexual assault

WELLINGTON: Police investigating claims of sexual assault against some in the Wellington music scene have received about 20 reports.

In a statement, police said at this stage no charges had been brought and inquiries were continuing.

A team of at least 12 Wellington detectives are investigating claims of sexual assault, drugging and violence after at least 60 people posted on social media about their alleged experiences with a group of men, some musicians.

Claims include people being drugged, raped, harassed, and otherwise abused by the group over the years.

Last month police warned people not to share unverified information on social media after ``people who have absolutely nothing to do with the allegations'' were publicly accused of being the offenders.

``We know operations like this one create significant concern in the community,'' Detective Sergeant Stephen Wescott said.

``This concern is absolutely warranted.''

But he urged people to come to the police if they had concerns, and to avoid sharing identifying information on social media.

Victim advocate Louise Nicholas has been supporting several women who have brought forward their complaints.

She said the women were ``overwhelmed'' and ``grateful'' for the support they had received.

It was helpful for the complainants to hear more about the police investigation process, she said.

``The fact that police were on to it immediately and pulled a team of 12 together and the investigations have started'' was also reassuring, she said.

``They do feel supported now. They feel confident to go to police.'' — The New Zealand Herald