A girl as young as 8-years-old is believed to have been involved in a violent robbery.
Police in Hamilton are searching for three girls after a 15-year-old was robbed on Wednesday night.
The female victim was walking home from a visit to her grandmother's at about 9.15pm whenshe noticed three girls standing near a bus stop on the opposite side of the road.
One of the girls called out to her to give them her cellphone number. The three then crossed the road and followed the victim, who began to call her mother for help.
Detective Sergeant Andy Bu Bear of Hamilton CIB said: "One of the attackers then kicked the victim from behind while another began pulling her hair.
"Crossing over the busy street, the victim tried to evade her attackers but they chased and caught her, raining punches on her until she fell to the ground.
"While on the ground one of the attackers stole a pink bag which contained five computer games while another attacker took the victims' footwear."
"The attackers kept demanding the victim's cell phone, which the youngest attacker took off her."
The girls are all described as being Maori girls with the youngest estimated by the victim to be as young as eight.
She was wearing an orange singlet and three-quarter length trousers.
The other two attackers are described as being older, between eight and 15.
Mr Bu Bear said: "The possibility of someone as young as that carrying out such offending is of great concern to us.
"The fact they have participated in such activity has us worried about what this activity will lead to and raises definite issues of parental supervision."
The stolen shoes were black and white polka dot slip-ons made of canvas.
The incident happened on Clyde St and the girls ran off in the direction of Peachgrove Rd.
Anyone who witnessed the attack, saw the attackers fleeing or has information on their identity is asked to contact Hamilton Police on 07 858 6200.
Information can also be left anonymously on the 0800 Busthem (08002878436) crime line.
