KEY POINTS:
Police say an "extreme" bullying attack at a secondary school has left one boy traumatised and six others facing court.
Detective Sergeant Brendan Mears, of Lower Hutt CIB, said the serious assault was one of several police which allegedly occurred at Hutt Valley High School late last year and were being investigated by police.
On December 10, the mother of a 14-year-old boy told police he had been seriously assaulted by a group of six boys during lunchtime within the school grounds.
Five 13-year-old boys would be referred to the Family Court and a 14-year-old boy would appear in the Lower Hutt Youth Court in relation to the offending, Mr Mears said in a statement today.
All the boys were year nine students at the school.
"This attack was bullying in the extreme. A group of students have unfortunately developed a pack mentality in carrying out unprovoked assaults on other students."
The complainant and his family had been traumatised by the attack, Mr Mears said.
Assaults on other students were being investigated, he said.
"Police will be working closely with the school to ensure robust anti-bullying strategies are in place."
Officers would also visit other colleges in the Hutt Valley to reinforce anti-bullying messages, he said.
"All students and their families have the right to feel safe and secure within the school environment."
The rehabilitation of the boys involved in the attacks was also a priority, Mr Mears said.
Police had been working with Youth Aid, Victim Support, medical experts, professional counsellors, Child Youth and Family and child abuse team officers.
- NZPA
