Five arrested after gang confrontation

A confrontation between Black Power and Mongrel Mob in Wairoa today ended with five arrests.

Sergeant Aubrey Ormond said two men associated with Black Power were filling up their car at a local petrol station when a car carrying three Mongrel Mob members and affiliates appeared.

"They got out with a baseball bat and golf club and a number of bottles were thrown. Police were called and we got there before any blows were struck."

Fortunately the police station was only a few hundred metres away from the petrol station.

"Basically we got a quick call and we were there when they were still fronting up," Mr Ormond said.

He said by the time police arrived all five had managed to get hold of various implements to use in the fight and all were now facing charges of possessing offensive weapons and more serious charges were possible.

The men were due to appear in Wairoa District Court this afternoon.

- NZPA