Girl gang chases down and beats victim

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A teenage girl was chased down by a gang of six school-aged girls, beaten to the ground and repeatedly punched and stamped on as a restaurant owner tried to intervene.

The Masterton gang bashing – in which a piece of broken steel was used – was interrupted only when the restaurateur confronted the attackers. An earring was ripped from the girl's earlobe and she required hospital treatment.

Police and education leaders say the incident, which happened about 7.30pm on Wednesday, is the latest in a string of attacks involving girls.

Police are investigating allegations that a 13-year-old was lured to a park in Johnsonville, north Wellington, and beaten by an older girl as up to 70 watched, some filming.

In Wednesday's attack, the 17-year-old victim tried to protect herself by crawling under a car. As she did, one of her attackers picked up a piece of broken steel and tried to slam it down on her head.

The owner of Chan's restaurant and takeaways ran outside when he heard screaming.

"There were horrible screams and yelling and swearing. I have never seen anything like it before. Even as I stood there they kept kicking and punching and tearing at her. One picked up a hunk of broken steel and tried to strike her and that's when I yelled at them to stop."

The teenager had been at a party that night when punches were traded between her and another young partygoer.

Sergeant Carolyn Watson said the girl was heading home through the central business district when she saw a carload of teenage girls driving toward her.

"She has run into a nearby alleyway but the girls have gone after her. It was a very prolonged attack."

The attackers fled before police arrived. The victim was found stumbling down the street trying to find another place to hide.

Violence by girls – physical and emotional – has increased far more than that of boys, say police.

"Everywhere around the country there has been an increase in violence amongst teenage girls, particularly these types of street bashings," Mrs Watson said.

Secondary Principals Association president Peter Gall said: "These days girls are taught to be assertive, which is a good thing. But sometimes these kids become confused between assertive and aggressive behaviour."

- © Fairfax NZ News