Teen stabbed with screwdriver in gang attack

A gang member wielding a screwdriver stabbed a boy as he walked home in Rotorua.

The 15-year-old was en route to his brother's house when another male approached him, Acting Senior Sergeant Karl Konlechner said.

The attacker "muttered a gang slogan" as he walked past and when the 15-year-old responded, a fight broke out.

The victim was stabbed with a short screwdriver and his attacker ran away.

The attacker was described as 16 or 17 years old, Maori, 1.8m, stocky, and wearing a black hooded top, dark jeans and a bright blue bandanna over his mouth and nose.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen him about 2.30am on New Year's Day.

The attack was "cowardly and senseless", Mr Konlechner said.

"The youth was stabbed only because someone took exception to the colour of his jacket".

The victim received three stitches to the 2cm-long shallow wound in his chest.

He has since been discharged from hospital.

- NZPA