Britomart brawl: Images of suspects released

Police have provided these CCTV images of youths at Britomart.

Police urge public to identify youths accused of causing $25,000 of damage after Christmas in the Park.

Police have released photographs of a group of youths suspected of causing $25,000 of damage to a train by hurling huge rocks at it during a night of disorder at Auckland rail stations following Christmas in the Park.

The images were captured on CCTV cameras and police investigating the fracas are appealing for anyone who recognises the youths to come forward.

On the night of December 13, hundreds of people converged on Britomart to get home after the Christmas in the Park concert at Auckland Domain. At about 11pm police and security had to close Auckland's main train station for about an hour after 30 to 40 marauding youths climbed on top of turnstiles and became aggressive.

They taunted each other and began to throw objects, including a heavy sign.

Shortly after trains began running again, more trouble ensued at several suburban stations, including Glen Innes and Henderson.

Constable Josh Ballantyne said at Glen Innes a group of youths threw a number of heavy rocks at a city-bound train as it made a routine stop.

Nine windows were smashed and there was extensive damage on the train's external panels.

Mr Ballantyne said the cost of the damage was $25,000. Police investigations to date had not identified the youths responsible.

He hoped that by releasing photographs of suspects to the Herald, police would be able to resolve the matter.

The suspected vandals are marked with blue arrows in this picture.

He said many of the people involved in the earlier disorder at Britomart had been identified, but anyone who recognised individuals in the photographs should contact police.

"The incident appears to be a stand-off between two groups on opposing sides of the turnstiles," he said. "I don't believe there was any actual fighting, just a core group of male antagonists, trying to bait the other side into a fight."

Images captured on security cameras showed one male pulling off his T-shirt and others making gang gestures.

He said the groups were "well-handled" and separated by security guards.

Can you help?
If you have information about the incidents at Britomart and the Glen Innes train station, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.