By Jim Birchall
A 17-year-old local youth is alleging he was the victim of an unprovoked assault while waiting in a car at traffic lights at Botany on Sunday.
Witnesses describe a gang of youths wearing black hoodies and bandanas next to the traffic lights, supposedly lingering with intent, before the assault.
According to a police statement, a report was received on Sunday night about an incident earlier that afternoon at the intersection of Ti Rakau and Te Irirangi Drives in Botany.
The victim was reportedly punched inside his vehicle and suffered bruising as a result.
Police are making inquiries into the incident”.
The Times has been in contact with the victim, who confirmed the alleged unprovoked offence and directed inquiries to his father, who had this to say:
“The thugs were gathered on the grass alongside Countdown and my son and friends were waiting on Te Irirangi travelling northbound at the lights. There were around 15-20 (youths) in a large group and four walked over, quite deliberately targeting the car, shouting obscenities.
“One of them opened the door and from behind him like a total coward, a young male (teenager) reached round and punched my son with a knuckle duster on his cheekbone.”
“They’d stopped a black Mazda car, which was turning left onto Ti Rakau, and the whole road was packed- the traffic was static. The more I think about it, the angrier I get, and to hear that these people have been terrorising east Auckland for some time, without any progress in bringing them to account makes me so cross.
“Even after being hit, my son and his friends carried on saying they didn’t want any trouble when they had every right to fight back for themselves – and thankfully the lights changed and they were happy to drive off”.
According to comments on social media, the group in question is alleged to have been involved in other anti-social activity, including harassment of young women in the areas around the eastern beaches.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact police using the 105 number. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
