KEY POINTS:
Twelve people have been arrested after a gang confrontation in Gisborne yesterday.
The action started when a Mongrel Mob member entered Black Power-dominated Munro St, in Elgin at 10.30am.
More gang members arrived and many were armed with home-made weapons, including garden implements, Senior Sergeant Rodger Gray told NZPA.
At least 30 police responded to emergency calls from worried members of the public.
Twelve people were arrested and charged with disorderly behaviour and possession of offensive weapons.
A police search of properties in the street resulted in the discovery of two cannabis growing operations and the further arrest of two people on drugs charges.
Most of those charged appeared in Gisborne District Court yesterday, with a small number yet to appear today.
"The disappointing thing for me is that it occurred at 10.30am on the first or second day of the school holidays," Mr Gray said.
"There was a large number of people, including children, who were caught up in this.
"The message is that any incidents such as this won't be tolerated."
- NZPA
