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Tokoroa community should still feel safe say Police

Monday 14 September 2009, 1:59PM

By New Zealand Police

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TOKOROA

Members of the Tokoroa community should still feel safe and have the confidence to go about their day to day lives in the town, despite a serious incident in the early hours of Sunday morning, says Taupo Area Commander, Inspector Stephen Bullock.

Inspector Bullock says the incident, which resulted in a 15 year old boy being hit by a car, began as an altercation between two groups of people early on Sunday morning, which has unfortunately escalated.

"While there may be gang connections, we are not concerned that we have an escalating problem in the area.

"We will continue our policy of proactive policing in Tokoroa – as we do in all our areas – and maintain a high level of visibility around the town in an effort to prevent any further incidents.

"We will be working alongside our local partners such as the South Waikato District Council and local businesses, to ensure we are all doing everything we can in this regard."

An 18 year old Rotorua man appeared in the Tokoroa District Court this morning charged with attempted murder following the serious assault of a 15 year old boy in Tokoroa early on Saturday morning.

The accused has been remanded in custody to reappear in Tokoroa District Court on 25 September, 2009.

The victim is still in critical condition in Waikato Hospital's intensive care unit.

Investigators have also seized an Isuzu MU motor vehicle which is believed to have been used in the incident. This will be examined further today.

Tokoroa Police are seeking any information about this vehicle and its movements in the Tokoroa/Mangakino areas on Friday September 11 and Saturday September 12.

The vehicle is a Charcoal coloured Isuzu MU SUV type 4x4 vehicle with a maroon coloured driver's door and maroon coloured panels over the front wheels. It has a dark coloured bonnet and a small bull bar on the front. The registration number is ZX9349.

Further inquiries are still being made by the police. Tokoroa Police say further arrests in association with the incident are possible. Anyone with any information about this matter can contact the Tokoroa Police on (07) 8865100.