Children beaten in Masterton street attack

Police and ambulance officers were called to the street attack on a group of children in Masterton. Photo / File

A group of children as young as 11 were beaten in a late-night street attack in Masterton by a teenager armed with a length of wood, police say.

Masterton police Sergeant Paul Lee said the group of children, all boys aged 11 to 13, were attacked in Bannister St about 1am yesterday.

Mr Lee said one of the children assaulted had a tooth knocked out and another had a tooth cracked. Both were taken to Wairarapa Hospital for treatment.

Two of the children had avoided becoming involved in the attack and escaped injury. Police believe a length of wood or long stick had been used to beat the two victims.

Mr Lee said a 17-year-old youth had been arrested and was being held in custody to appear in Masterton District Court today, charged with assault with a weapon.

The children had been referred to Child, Youth and Family, Mr Lee said, independently of the assault charge and investigation.

"That children of that age were out in the street at such a late hour was very concerning."

Police were still investigating whether others were involved in the attack on the children and if further arrests were possible.