Students charged with robbery and kidnapping

Four Russian students appeared in Auckland Youth Court yesterday to face nine charges of aggravated robbery and seven of kidnapping.

The students, aged between 16 and 19, are alleged to have committed the crimes around Albert Park in central Auckland between July 5 and July 12.

Police said the alleged victims - all Asian students - reported being held at knifepoint while co-offenders obtained cashflow cards and PIN numbers and took money from their accounts at nearby ATM machines.

Three of the accused were bailed and the fourth is in the care of Child Youth and Family Services.

People with information should call Auckland police on (09) 302-6400.