Nelson College attack 'one of the worst'

Two Nelson College students have denied kidnapping a 16-year-old, but have admited attacking him. File photo / NZ Herald

Two Nelson College students have admitted charges relating to an unprovoked assault on a fellow student, described as "one of the worst for some time" by police.

Two 16-year-old students denied kidnapping but admitted injuring the boy with intent to cause grievous bodily harm when they appeared in Nelson Youth Court today, The Nelson Mail reported.

Another student was interviewed by police but not charged. All three have been suspended.

The assault last Thursday evening has stunned the school's principal. The 16-year-old victim was attacked and received extensive bruising to his head and body from repeated punches and kicks.

"We are devastated. I've got people in tears, staff members. We are really, really shocked by the whole thing," Nelson College headmaster Gary O'Shea said.

The kidnapping charge related to the boys allegedly detaining the student to assault him, Detective Senior Sergeant Wayne McCoy said today.

He said the attack was "one of the worst" he had seen in some time and the victim was knocked out in the attack.

The boy had been watching a basketball game in the gym and was assaulted and had his wallet taken when he went to get a drink from a water fountain.

- NZPA