New Zealand / Crime

Nine arrested after Wellington street brawl

15:09 pm on 8 August 2020

Nine people were arrested after a street brawl in Wellington early this morning.

Photo: 123RF

Police were called to the fight on Courtenay Place, between Taranaki and Tory streets, at about 3.30am.

Reports of how many people were fighting vary, but nine people were arrested - seven of them for fighting in a public place. One person was seriously injured from an apparent stabbing, police said.

Most have been released without charge, but a 19-year-old man has been charged with common assault and is due to appear in court on Monday.

Another person arrested for possession of an offensive weapon was also released without charge.

Police acting area commander Inspector Dion Bennett said: "Almost every weekend police are attending at least one serious incident on Courtenay Place.

"In some cases we have been very lucky not to be dealing with fatalities. The officers who attend these incidents and security staff trying to keep the peace are also often abused or assaulted while trying to keep those involved and the general public safe."

Police would have a visible presence in the area on Saturday night.