“They then conducted a planned, violent, unprovoked assault on seven young people before fleeing the area,” Murdoch said.
“The seven people received a range of injuries, from minor bruising to a fractured skull, which required surgery.
“They are now all home and recovering from their injuries.”
Police have since arrested three people over the incident. Two men, aged 17 and 21, have been jointly charged with wounding, assault to injure and common assault, Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch said.
They join an 18-year-old man charged earlier this week with multiple counts, including wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault with intent to injure, and common assault.
One of the men police want to speak to was wearing a black hoodie with “Lakers” printed on the front, dark-coloured shorts, white sneakers and had a diamante stud. Photo / NZ Police
The fourth offender remains outstanding.
Initial enquiries showed the alleged attackers went to the Mobil Gas Station in Johnsonville about 20 minutes before the incident, which allowed police to collect CCTV footage of them, Leitch said.
“Police would like to thank the community for their excellent assistance that resulted in these arrests and would like their help once again to help locate the fourth offender,” he said in a statement.
The suspect was said to be wearing a grey hoodie, beige or grey shorts, and black sneakers on the night, not captured in the images.
“His violent offending is most likely known to the people around him, and we appeal for those that know him to contact police with his name,” Leitch said.
If you know who this is, please get in touch with police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, using the reference number 251217/8772.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers online or through 0800 555 111.