Pregnant women accused of attack

Seven women, some of whom are pregnant, have appeared in court charged in connection with a brutal attack on a mother-of four in a Lower Hutt street.

Rebecca Brunning was dragged by her hair and bashed unconscious as she was set upon by the gang outside her home in Evans St, Stokes Valley, about 9.30pm on Wednesday, the Dominion Post reported.

The 36-year-old was left with a fractured eye socket, broken nose and severe bruising in the attack, which was witnessed by her young son and daughter.

It is understood the attack followed a confrontation between Ms Brunning and a pregnant woman three weeks earlier.

Seven women, aged between 17 and 26, appeared in Lower Hutt District Court yesterday charged with multiple counts of injuring with intent to injure.

They were granted bail and are due to reappear later this month. A 16-year-old, also facing the same charges, will appear separately in the Youth Court.

- NZPA