Dead Gisborne gang member named, two arrested

Police investigating a fatal gang fight in Gisborne yesterday have made two arrests and are seeking others as they take special measures to prevent more clashes.

The dead man was Anton William Newcombe, 32, of Gisborne, who was killed in the street fight between rival gang members.

He was a member of the Black Power gang.

A 23-year-old man has been charged with murder and was to appear in Gisborne District Court this afternoon.

A 38-year-old woman has also been arrested in connection with the incident and is charged with "being an accessory after the fact to murder".

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Scott said today a weapon had been recovered but police were awaiting results from a post-mortem examination in Auckland this afternoon before confirming it was the item used.

The police armed offenders squad had been activated to keep an eye on the Gisborne gang situation and police had other "contingency plans" in place to ensure no gang retaliation or flare-ups.

Forensic teams would continue to gather everything necessary for the investigation, Mr Scott said.

Police district commander Inspector Waata Shepherd said yesterday morning's incident was a flow-on from earlier friction between gangs after bars in the Gisborne area had been barricaded to keep rival gang members apart.

"It's a huge concern to the police and to the community," he said.

- nzpa