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Police in Christchurch are urging young people not to take part in any text message-arranged memorial vigils for two teenagers killed last weekend after they were run down in the street outside an unruly party.
Jane Ada Young and Hannah Rossiter Perkins, both 16, died after a car drove into a crowd of young people in Edgeware Rd, St Albans, on Saturday night.
Five other people remain in Christchurch Hospital, one in a stable but critical condition, after a red Honda car allegedly driven by 22-year-old factory hand Lipene Sila ploughed into the group.
Police are investigating claims of racist overtones at the party and yesterday warned young people not to take part in two vigils for the dead girls being promoted via text messaging and on the internet.
Detective Senior Sergeant Brian Archer said there appeared nothing to indicate any racial involvement in an incident that led up to "this tragic event".
"Speculating about this is not helping the grieving of the families and friends," he said.
Rumours of memorial gatherings and parties this weekend were circulating throughout Christchurch, especially through text messaging.
He urged all young people to stay calm and show respect for the dead girls and their families.
"Please grieve, but in the appropriate way," Mr Archer said.
"We do not want a repeat of last Saturday night."
He said young people must "all take some responsibility" to ensure there was no repeat of the tragedy.
Police knew of several planned memorial gatherings but believed there would probably be more.
People intending to hold parties were asked to reconsider.
"The situation will be monitored and police will have a low-level presence."
The families of two of the five injured still in hospital yesterday gave police permission to release their names and details.
Ben Devine was listed as in a stable but critical condition, and Felicity Tewnion was stable and improving.
Another patient was listed in a serious condition and a fourth was stable.
The fifth injured person's family do not want any details released.
Police said many friends had been gathering at Christchurch Hospital, but the five patients were not being allowed public visits.
Mr Archer said the 60-strong police investigation team had now identified nearly 500 people who were at the party.
The crowd was varied and included high school and university students and employed and unemployed people, with ages ranging from "teens and older".
- NZPA
