Arrests in alleged Kaikoura mob attack

File photo / Rotorua Daily Post

Five people have been arrested following an alleged mob attack in Kaikoura last week.

Four holidaymakers were reportedly savagely beaten by a gang of up to 30 people in the town on the South Island's east coast early on Friday.

One of the four Christchurch men, who were in their 20s, suffered moderate injuries, while the other three received black eyes, bruising and cuts.

Five men, aged 21, 20, 17 and two aged 18, all from Kaikoura, were arrested on Friday night. They were charged with unlawful assembly and assault with intent to injure, Sergeant Barry Hansen of Kaikoura police said.

The alleged attack was apparently prompted by a girl being called a "slut", Mr Hansen said.

It was unlikely that as many as 30 people were involved in the incident and the number was more like 20.

Police had spoken to some witnesses to the incident and would like to speak anyone else who may have seen it.

More arrests are expected.

The five arrested men appeared in Blenheim District Court on Saturday morning and were remanded on bail to appear in Kaikoura District Court on December 17.

- NZPA