Teens attack student at Auckland high school

A group of teenagers has stormed West Auckland's Lynfield College and attacked a pupil, apparently after a war of words on the social networking website Bebo.

Witnesses say one of the attackers yelled out the name of an Afghan youth gang during the attack yesterday afternoon, One News reported.

Principal Steve Bovaird said a group of teenagers – not from Lynfield – burst through the door and attacked the pupil in front of other students and their teacher.

The student was punched a number of times and possibly kicked as well but escaped serious injuries.

One of the group had a softball bat and the conflict may stem from harsh words exchanged on the social networking site Bebo.

New Zealand's Afghan community leader Siraj Salarzi said the incident was very disappointing.

The youth should do something better to give the community and the Afghan people a good name, he said.

Up to five of the teenagers involved are students at Mount Roskill Grammar but yesterday was a term holiday and they were not under the school's care.

Officials say the school is limited in how it can punish them.

- NZPA