Territorial fishermen arrested after knife fight

Two territorial fishermen were arrested yesterday after a knife fight on New Brighton Pier in Christchurch.

They were charged with possession of an offensive weapon and threatening language.

The fight broke out just days before security guards were due to begin patrolling the pier to control fishermen's bad behaviour, The Press reported.

Police said the fight was over a fishing spot at the end of the pier.

A fisherman had left his equipment in a fishing spot but when he returned another fisherman had moved his equipment and taken the space.

The man reacted to his space being taken by threatening the other man and brandishing a small fishing knife.

Acting deputy sergeant Valyn Barrett said both fishermen were equally responsible for the altercation and verbal disputes were common on the crowded fishing area of the pier.

"There is a certain amount of overcrowding on the pier with the fishermen and there are generally a few altercations," he said.

- NZPA