Gang fight worries Stokes Valley residents
Residents of the Hutt Valley suburb of Stokes Valley want something done about gang violence following a major brawl yesterday.
Witnesses said the incident involved many members of two gangs, with reports of weapons and guns being used in the confrontation on George St.
A resident told Stuff he saw the incident and called the gangs out by name. ‘‘I seen (sic) the whole thing, there were 22 Mongrel Mob members and 30 Black Power.’’
Another nearby Stokes Valley resident – who also did not wish to be named – heard yelling and what sounded like a gunshot.
He heard from other witnesses that some of the people involved were wearing gang patches and weapons were used. ‘‘I heard it all going on and have spoken to a couple of people that saw it.’’
Gang violence had been a big issue in the area in recent months and residents have had enough, he said.
‘‘Apparently, there were kids around when it was happening. My main concern is that an innocent bystander is going to get hurt.’’
Something needed to be done, he added. ‘‘This is like the third time there has been either guns or a knife fight in the last six months in Stokes Valley, and it’s because Black Power and Mongrel Mob live on the same street.
‘‘It’s a pretty easy fix. If you get one of them out of there, then it won’t happen.’’
It had got to the point where he and his partner avoided shopping in the area because of the risk of gang violence. ‘‘I won’t go to the local supermarket. I’ll drive to Silverstream because I’ve been down there before and there have been gang fights.’’
Stuff had also received reports that some of those involved in the clash were armed with machetes; however, police were unable to confirm those claims.
Armed police were in the George St area yesterday as houses were searched to ‘‘locate [the] individuals involved’’.
There were no reports of injuries.
Police confirmed at least 10 units attended the scene yesterday and staff were posted in the area overnight. One officer described it as a ‘‘volatile situation’’.
At 5pm, police – including some officers armed with assault rifles – were seen surrounding a large group of Black Power members who had congregated around a house. The gang members moved on as seven police cars left the scene.
No arrests had been made by 7pm.
Gang members approached by Stuff declined to comment.