Two charged after supermarket gang battle

Two men appeared in Napier District Court today charged in connection with a gang battle which erupted in a supermarket parking lot.

Zaran Elers, 21, and Karl Gibbons, 28, were arrested last night, after the melee outside Pak 'n Save Tamatea about 3.30pm.

Two men were set upon by at least four assailants armed with hammers, golf clubs and axes. One of the beaten men was then run over by a car as the attackers made their escape.

Both men were charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and participation in a criminal group knowing that that group was to carry out an unlawful act.

They were remanded in custody to reappear on June 24.

Both victims were taken to hospital , treated for moderate injuries and then released.

A number of witnesses to the melee had come forward, Sergeant Wendy Wright said.

"It's a car park for a supermarket, so there were lots of people around," she said.

Police were still seeking further witnesses to the battle and appealed for sightings of either group leading up to the fight and a red Honda Prelude, licence plate YM9313.

- NZPA