Ten people have been arrested and charged in relation to a fight at Palmerston North District Court earlier this month.
On 16 July, Police were called to the public entrance of the courthouse following reports of a fight at around 10am.
A 33-year-old man was arrested and charged at the time of the incident. He is due to reappear in Palmerston North District Court on 18 August, charged with fighting in a public place and theft from a person.
Inspector Phil Ward, Manawatū Acting Area Commander, says the nine additional arrests come after the investigation team spent tireless hours working to identify and locate those believed to be involved, including trawling through CCTV footage.
"The team's commitment has been instrumental in progressing these arrests."
Inspector Phil Ward also acknowledges the swift response and decisive intervention of Court Security staff and attending Police.
"They put themselves directly in harm's way to separate the group, and ultimately prevented this situation from escalating further."
Our priority is always the safety of the community, says Inspector Ward.
"Violence of this nature will not be tolerated, and we remain committed to holding those believed to be responsible to account."
The nine additional people, aged 15 to 33, are due to appear in Palmerston North District Court throughout August, facing charges of fighting in a public place, assault with intent to injure, and criminal damage.
