Ten breach liquor ban

Palmerston North police are clamping down on revellers drinking alcohol in the city centre after a series of early morning assaults.

Ten people were arrested in the weekend for breaching the liquor ban, which can lead to fines of up to $20,000.

Violence and the number of young people in The Square late at night was concerning, but police were working with community groups to combat the problem, Senior Sergeant Sue O'Neil said yesterday.

It is ultimately parents' responsibility to keep tabs on their children and make sure they are safe and at home, she said.

Maori Wardens and police had picked up children as young as 12 roaming the city streets late at night.

But violence was "trending downwards" compared with this time last year, Mrs O'Neil said.

A 23-year-old man is the latest victim of violence near The Square.

He was underwent surgery after a serious assault, about 2.40am on Sunday.

The liquor ban area includes the intersection of Grey St and Princess St, south to Ferguson St, west to Pitt St, north to Cuba St, east to Bourke St, north to Walding St, and east to Grey St.

Contact Detective Sergeant Dave Clifford at Palmerston North Police on 3513600 if you have any information on the Sunday morning assault.

- © Fairfax NZ News