Auckland Attack By Molotov Cocktails

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32209, 30 January 1970, Page 14

Auckland Attack By Molotov Cocktails

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, January 29. A gang of motor-cyclists late tonight threw a Molotov cocktail into the porch of a house in Epsom, setting it alight. A second Molotov cocktail exploded against a motor-cycle parked outside, leaving it a charred wreck.

Neighbours said that the motor-cyclists roared up to the house and created bedlam for about two minutes. After throwing the explosives they seized rubbish tins along the street and hurled them at the house.

The house, at 2 King George Avenue, is tenanted by a group of youths, some of whom have motor-cycles. Shortly after 12.30 am., while detectives were still questioning the occupants, two cars which were believed to have been at the scene when the bombs were being thrown, drove past the nearby Manakau Road intersection. "That’s them,” yelled one of the youths standing on the front

He dashed to the rear of the house, leapt on to his motor-cycle and with a pillion passenger behind, set off in pursuit A detective who had been examining the burnt-out motor-cycle on the roadside leapt into his car and joined in the hunt. Cars Followed About five minutes later, two old cars racing along Manukau Road were seen being followed by the detective in his car. Shortly afterwards, several police cars were seen along Manukau Road. Shortly before 1 a.m., the two cars which the detectives bad been following were seen parked in King George Avenue with several police cars in attendance.

Several youths were being questioned.