Wanganui remains calm under strong police presence

Wanganui remained calm today, with no repeat of the gang violence that erupted earlier this week, as police maintained a high profile presence in the city.

"As far as gang movement or gang rivalry, there has been nothing to report," acting area controller Senior Sergeant Duncan MacLeod said this afternoon.

Sporadic acts of violence since last Tuesday left one man in hospital and 11 gang members under arrest on a variety of charges.

The violence began with two daytime clashes between Mongrel Mob and Hell's Angels members -- first at a service station, then later at Wanganui Hospital, where two people injured in the first clash were taken.

One man seriously injured in the first clash, believed to be the head of the Mongrel Mob's Wanganui chapter, is now in Wellington Hospital.

Mr MacLeod said the man had undergone surgery for his head injury, and his condition was described as stable and improving.

Yesterday, up to 27 patched Mongrel Mob members converged on the city's main street at 10.30am and began to intimidate passers-by.

Five Hell's Angels members arrested on Tuesday appeared in Wanganui District Court yesterday and were remanded in custody until March 27.

Wanganui police also searched the Hell's Angels gang headquarters yesterday morning.

The 11 occupants were bound while police searched the headquarters and seized a number of items, believed to include motorcycles and weapons.

Police have assured the public the extra police presence will remain in place until the gang violence is under control.

Mr MacLeod said reinforcements had been brought in and would stay until there was a reduction in gang behaviour.

"Police want to assure the public that they have the capability to deal with any gang confrontations swiftly, positively and effectively," he said.

Inquiries into the incidents on Tuesday and Thursday were continuing and police anticipated making more arrests.

Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws has said the city's people would not be intimidated.

"Wanganui has no intention of shrinking or cowering before these thugs, it will not occur," he said.

Mr Laws wanted to ban gang patches and regalia from the central business district and built up areas, and the council would meet next week to discuss these matters.

- NZPA