Concerto in crime minor

An attack with a violin led the armed offenders squad to a Westport house.

Police were called to a house in Romilly St on Sunday after an 18-year-old reported being threatened by his 17-year-old friend.

Senior Sergeant Geoff Scott, of the Westport police, said there had been an argument, and one of the youths felt threatened.

"He used the violin to hit the person who he believed was threatening him," Scott said.

"He hit him on the head three times. The violin was destroyed in hitting the victim and he had a cut to his head."

A neighbour heard arguing at the house and called police at 7.30pm.

The 18-year-old told police the friend had shown him a pistol and bullet and had threatened to kill him, although he had not produced the firearm at the time.

Scott said there was no arrests, although police were continuing inquiries.

- © Fairfax NZ News