Five teens arrested over Waipukurau ‘scooter’ assault

Reece Hingaia, 24, was left with multiple broken ribs, a collapsed lung and a concussion. Photo / Paul Taylor

Five teens, the oldest of them 15, have been apprehended after an alleged Waipukurau assault that left a man critically injured.

Reece Hingaia, 24, said he was left critically injured with multiple broken ribs, a collapsed lung and a concussion on April 17 after a group of youths allegedly beat him and hit him with what he understood was a scooter.

The incident took place about 11.35pm and was reported to police as an altercation between a man and a group of youths in the middle of the intersection of Russell St and Herbert St.

Detective Senior Sergeant Sally Patrick said in a statement on Friday

a 15-year-old, had been arrested.

Patrick said two children aged 13 and two aged 14 would be dealt with by Police Youth Aid.