Whakatane attack: Teens appear in court

Four teenagers charged in relation to an attack on German tourists in Whakatane have appeared at Whakatane District Court.

Three males, aged 14, 17 and 18 and a 15-year-old female were charged with aggravated robbery.

They have been remanded in custody to reappear in court on New Year's Eve. The identities of all four are suppressed.

Police were still looking for a fifth youth who was also believed to have been involved in the incident.

The couple, a 19-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman - were attacked in their tent early yesterday morning.

The man lost teeth and suffered cuts and bruises and the woman suffered facial and arm injuries, including fractures.

They remained in Whakatane Hospital overnight recovering from their injuries.