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Two teenage girls were attacked by a group of six young people while on a bus in the Auckland suburb of Albany yesterday, with police confiscating a knife from one of the offenders.
The attack left one of the victims traumatised and scared to catch the bus again.
“I’m still in shock and I can’t believe that it happened,” she told 1News, adding she was stressed because the bus was her primary mode of transport but she would have to avoid it for a while.
It follows previous reports of intimidation and violent behaviour from groups of young people at Albany station, and the shocking death of a young man who was stabbed at the station in broad daylight last year.
Auckland Transport and police are upping security at North Shore bus stations as a result of the incidents.
Waitematā East Police Relieving Area Commander Mike Rickards said an assault was reported at around 5pm, where the two victims had been aboard a bus as it arrived at the Albany Bus Station.
“Six young people were also aboard at the time, and they have become agitated towards the victims,” Rickards said.
“Both victims were assaulted by a member of the group, before all six ran from the bus on foot towards the shopping centre nearby.
“Both victims were later taken to accident and emergency for a check-up.”
Rickards said the group of six were located near the mall and all were taken into custody without further incident.
“Concerningly, a knife was located on the 14-year-old male and was confiscated.”
Two teenage girls were attacked at Albany bus station in Auckland after a group of six on board became aggressive towards the victims.
Inquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances of the assault.
Auckland Transport ‘saddened’, upping security at station
Auckland Transport GM public transport operations Rachel Cara said they were saddened to hear of this incident and their teams are working closely with police.
“Aucklanders want and deserve a safe transport network where everyone is safe no matter how they move around, particularly children and the vulnerable.
“Our staff have reached out to police today to ensure increased patrols and presence at the station. We have increased presence of transport officers and security at the station.
“Following the police investigation, we will also welcome any recommendations for safety improvements and work to implement these where possible - not only at Albany Station, but across our other bus facilities.”
Rickards said the behaviour on display was simply unacceptable.
“We are aware of community concerns with incidents involving groups of young people engaging in intimidatory or violent behaviour.
“Enforcement action, including charges laid, has been taken over previous incidents.
“Police are continuing to actively patrol the busy bus stations along the Northern Express route.
“Our staff are continuing to engage with young people they are encountering, as well as provide reassurance to Auckland Transport staff and commuters.”
Epapara Poutapu (inset) was stabbed to death at the Albany bus station last year. Photo / Dean Purcell
Last year a man was stabbed to death in broad daylight at Albany bus station. The attack on Epapara Poutapu happened at 12.50pm on September 18, in front of shocked commuters.
Poutapu was rushed to Auckland Hospital but died from his injuries.
A 16-year-old appeared in the High Court at Auckland in October and pleaded not guilty to murder. His trial date is set for November this year.
