Retaliation attacks after people injured at party

Angry youths are planning retaliation attacks after two people suffered fractured skulls during a fight at an out-of-control party.

Six people were taken to hospital on November 9 following fights near the intersection of Pretoria and King Sts after a series of parties got out-of-control.

Two people suffered fractured skulls while a third person needed 30 stitches to a facial wound.

Inspector Ed Van Den Broek of the Rotorua police said since the incident two youths had been charged for retaliation assaults and information had been received by police that more attacks were planned.

"Let's make one thing very clear; we will not tolerate violence of any kind. Retaliation is not justification. It is the job of the police to enforce the law and we will not condone anyone taking the law into their own hands.''

At the time police said the fights happened when about 150 youths were at a series of parties which were held in the same flat complex on Pretoria St. At least one of these parties was advertised on social networking website

Facebook as an open invitation.

Mr Van Den Broek said there had been numerous out-of-control parties in Rotorua in recent months which were "fuelled by alcohol''. He said all of them were attracting large numbers of teenagers.

"There were serious injuries suffered earlier this month and it could easily have been a lot worse,'' he said.

"This is not about scare tactics, this is about parents not having a realistic understanding of the risks that these

youngsters face when they go to these parties. Teenagers know their own mind and are striving for independence,

but that doesn't mean that parents can't have a positive influence on their lives by preventing them being placed in dangerous situations.''

Mr Van Den Broek said police were also urging parents to take a "proactive interest'' in the lives of their children.

"Know where they are going, who they are spending time with and make sure they are taking sensible steps not to put themselves in risky situations.''

He said police want to hear about large parties and gatherings before they escalated out-of-control.

Police also want to hear from anyone with information about planned disorder or retaliation.

Anyone with information should contact Rotorua police on (07) 349 9400. Alternatively information can be

provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.