Attackers on losing end

Press, 7 February 1985, Page 9

Attackers on losing end

PA Hamilton Four attackers armed with clubs, a chain, and a softball bat were on the losing end of their own weapons in Hamilton on Tuesday evening. A group of youths who were attacked in Te Rapa met the challenge and succeeded in taking the bat from its owner and turning the tables on the attackers. Two of the assailants ran away, but two were given a beating by the attack “victims.” The attackers did not regain their car, which was still at a shopping centre yesterday with its windscreen smashed and the roof bpd - doors stove in.

The police said they would investigate motives behind the attack, which took place about 8.20 p.m. on Tuesday. Residents and youths at the scene said several carloads of men had been driving round the area during the evening shouting abuse at Maori and Polynesian youths and threatening to kill them. The residents and youths did not want to be named.

The youths who were allegedly attacked said a car pulled up over the road from the Heath Street shops. Four men armed with a metal softball bat, a chain, and woodqjt clubs climbed out and Attacked

six teenagers milling round the shops. Te Rapa residents said another car, believed to contain six companions of the original attackers, passed the fight. The occupants saw that their friends were getting the worst of it and sped off. The police arrived at the scene about that time.

The youths who repulsed the attack said that their assailants were all Europeans, aged in their 20s and 30s.

The oldest youth attacked was only 19, they said. They had no idea what had prompted the attack, but claimed their attackers were drunk.