Top Christchurch school investigating after video emerges of group assault outside McDonald’s

Christchurch Boys’ High School is investigating after a video circulated of a man being assaulted and made to eat pet food outside a fast-food restaurant.

The man was attacked by a vigilante group who believed he was a paedophile, with the boys shown in the video heard saying “he was trying to meet a 14-year-old girl for sex!”.

The schoolboys then tell the man they would not report him to the police if he ate some cat food.

The social media account that shared the video also posted screenshots purporting to show messages the man allegedly sent to a young girl who had told him she was 14.

The video, shared on social media on Monday night, depicts the man on the ground, before being dragged out on to the street.

The group of boys, at least one of whom appears to be in a Boys’ High uniform, proceed to punch the man to the ground.

They continue to kick him for some time, before forcing him to eat pet food.

All of this was filmed and shared on social media.

It is not clear when the video was filmed.

Christchurch Boys’ High School headmaster Nic Hill was made aware of the video by the Herald on Tuesday.

He said the school had been in contact with the police and meetings were under way with students who may have been involved.

”This behaviour is not on,” Hill said.

”I’m incredibly disappointed to see it, there’s no excuse for any of this.”

Hill told the Herald the school was working with McDonald’s Riccarton and the police.

Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons said police “have received a report of a video depicting an assault and are making inquiries to determine when it occurred and who was involved”.

“A local high school is assisting with our inquiries,” she said.

Police advised the public never to “take matters into your own hands”.

“Instead, anyone with information regarding incidents of concern should contact police immediately, providing as much detail as possible.”

A McDonalds spokesperson said it was supporting the investigation.

“McDonald’s is aware of an incident that occurred outside our Riccarton restaurant involving members of the public, and that has been shared on social media,” they said.

“The franchisee has talked with police and the local school.”

Christchurch Boys’ is regarded as one of the country’s top high schools.

Opened in 1881, it has provided secondary schooling to countless future business, community and sporting leaders.

Its website states it has a history of “educating fine young men”.

“Christchurch Boys’ High School has a history of over 130 years. We take great pride in promoting the personal, moral and intellectual growth of every boy.”

Jaime Cunningham is a Newstalk ZB multimedia journalist, based in Christchurch.

Katie Oliver is a Christchurch-based multimedia journalist and breaking news reporter.