“Police are investigating a disorder that occurred at the Sturges Rd Station Park and Ride on Tuesday afternoon,” relieving Waitematā west area commander Inspector Mohammed Atiq said.
“The fighting involved high school students from several West Auckland schools.
“Units responded to the initial reports of fighting at around 4.10pm. Those fighting had dispersed when our staff arrived.”
A mass student brawl broke out at Sturges Rd train station on Monday afternoon.
Atiq said police have spoken to many of those involved in the carpark fracas, including a young person who suffered minor injuries, and believe a previous dispute may have been the cause of the brawl.
“We have spoken with one young person who had been assaulted, along with several of those that had been present.
“That young person suffered minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment.
“From those spoken to, we believe a prior dispute may be a factor in the violence that took place on Tuesday afternoon.
“The behaviour is unacceptable, and we will be working with the schools concerned, and families of those identified, as part of our investigation.”
‘Terrified’ public hide in cars
A witness, who hid in their vehicle as the violence erupted, told the Herald more than 40 students got off the train at Sturges Rd, with the majority wearing Kelston Boys’ High School uniform.
“I was terrified; there were so many people. I couldn’t see weapons but I just wanted to get out of there, but they were blocking the cars.
“There was another young girl maybe in her 20s who was also looking scared and was blocked.”
Kelston Boys’ High School acting principal Steve Cole said the school is aware of the incident and “is taking the matter seriously”.
The witness said one student – who appeared to be ganged up on – was wearing what “looked like a Waitākere College shirt”.
Waitākere College did not respond when approached by the Herald.
Hayden Rawcliffe, Auckland Transport rail service operations and performance manager, said CCTV footage from the station is being shared with police, and an increased security presence was in the area yesterday afternoon.