Tourists' alleged attackers bailed

Four men charged after an attack on a group of tourists in central Christchurch last weekend have been released on bail after an appearance in court today.

The four appeared together before Judge John Bisphan in Christchurch District Court accused of assaulting a tourist with intent to injure him.

They did not enter pleas, and were remanded to May 2 with police not opposing bail.

The four are Michael Harrison Cooper, Clinton Edward Shuker, James Harry Ramon Stowers, and Nikolas Joseph Scanlan-Shaw, all aged 22 from Christchurch.

They were ordered to live at specified addresses, to remain indoors between 8pm and 6am, not associate with alleged co-offenders, the tourists, or witnesses, and not consume alcohol or enter licensed premises.

Eight English and Danish tourists - two women and six men - were walking in Cashel Street about 1am on Saturday when they were attacked from behind by a group of men.

Two of the tourists were stabbed, one suffered a broken wrist and others minor concussion and bruising.

Four were treated in hospital.

Detective Senior Sergeant David Harvey said last night they were following an active line of inquiry for a fifth man allegedly responsible for the stabbing.

- NZPA