'Fight night' tests police

Gang fights broke out across Auckland last night, leaving one woman in hospital with serious injuries and stretching police resources.

The woman suffered head injuries after she was hit with a softball bat in a brawl involving about 40 youths in Mascot Ave, Mangere, about 8.45pm.

As police dealt with that incident, about 100 youths clashed in the car-park of Wendy's fast-food restaurant in Dominion Rd. And a fight involving about 15 people broke out in Putini Ave, Manurewa.

Sergeant Chris Money from the police northern communications centre said bottles, softball bats and other weapons were used at all the incidents.

Police did not believe the almost simultaneous battles were linked.

"It's Friday night - that's fight night."