5 Jul 2022

Police investigate fight involving group with weapons

11:51 am on 5 July 2022

Four people have been arrested following reports of a fight among gang members in Taupō.

The town of Lake Taupo from the lake, New Zealand

Taupō. Photo: 123rf

Police said they were alerted to a disorder incident on Te Heuheu Street about 9.35am on Tuesday, where people had reported seeing gang members with weapons including a firearm.

The group left the scene before officers arrived.

About 10.30am a vehicle involved in the disorder was seen by police travelling on State Highway 5 between Taupō and Rotorua, Taupō area commander Phil Edwards said.

Officers stopped the vehicle just south of Highlands Loop Road.

A firearm was located and the four occupants were taken into custody.

Police said earlier a firearm was not believed to have been discharged during the incident.

There would be a continued police presence in the area as police investigated, Edwards said.