A growing number of random attacks in Napier being carried out by a gang of juveniles calling themselves "Dog Soldiers" has police concerned that sooner or later they will have a tragedy on their hands.
Detective Sergeant Tony Dewhirst of Napier CIB said during the past three weekends police had been
called to a string of street attacks, mainly in the central business district at night, which they had linked to the group.
"They call themselves the Dog Soldiers and they have strong ties to the Mongrel Mob," Mr Dewhirst said.
Several juveniles were identified as children of Mongrel Mob members, he said.
"Victims have been punched, kicked and, on one occasion last weekend, a young man had a knife held to his throat as he went to use a public toilet off Dickens Street.
"The attacks are random, senseless, cowardly acts of violence."
Mr Dewhirst said the group's violent activities had meant police staff were going "from job to job" as reports came in.
The group, he said, ensured they only picked fights they could win and targeted people walking alone or in small groups of two or three.
"They just drive around town looking to create trouble." Police had been told the juveniles, aged between 13 and 18, wielded softball bats and iron bars.
"Sooner or later we will have a tragedy on our hands if they are not stopped," Mr Dewhirst said. "We want to hear from anyone who sees this group, in cars or on foot, and want to hear from anyone who has been the victim of an assault or has witnessed one."
The gang wore black and red hooded jackets, with red and white bandannas.
