Girl gang attacks woman in street

A woman was "callously" attacked by a group of four teenage girls after they asked her for a cigarette and she told them she did not have any in a Hastings street yesterday.

It appeared that a large stick or bat was used in the attack in York Street between 4.30 and 5.30pm.

The 32-year-old woman was treated in Hawke's Bay Regional Hospital for bruised ribs and facial cuts.

Senior Sergeant Greg Brown said another attack occurred just after 3.30pm when two 15-year-old high school students were walking along Gascoigne Street.

They were confronted by a group of five youths, described as Maori and with bandannas covering their faces.

One of the group held one student around the throat and demanded his bicycle. When this was refused, the offender threatened the student with a knife. The group ran off with the student's Vision BMX styled bike.

"Unfortunately these incidents are part of a growing trend in youth violence, and police are taking a very firm stand on prosecuting those identified," Mr Brown said.

- NZPA