Two Youths Arrested Following Edgecumbe Hammer Attack

Two young people have been arrested following a serious hammer attack in Edgecumbe and an alleged vehicle incident in Kawerau.

Police confirmed the arrests after officers spotted a vehicle of interest at about 11.45pm on October 28.

Police said the occupants were wearing balaclavas and allegedly swerved towards police vehicles before spikes were deployed on State Highway 30, near Te Teko.

The vehicle eventually stopped in Kawerau, where the occupants fled on foot.

They were apprehended shortly afterwards by the Police Dog Unit.

Further enquiries linked one of the young people to a serious assault involving a hammer at the Plains Hotel in Edgecumbe on Friday, 23 October.

A 17-year-old has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault with a weapon and unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle.

Police said the teenager pleaded guilty to all three charges and was remanded on bail for sentencing in the Whakatāne District Court.

A 16-year-old has been referred to the youth justice process and faces charges of possessing an offensive weapon and unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle.

Eastern Bay of Plenty Prevention Manager Inspector Phil Gillbanks said Police were pleased to have acted quickly to identify and apprehend those responsible.

He acknowledged the impact the incident had on the victim, their whānau and the wider Edgecumbe community.

“The victim, their whānau, and the wider Edgecumbe community have understandably been impacted by this incident, and we hope today's arrests provide some reassurance,” Gillbanks said.

He also praised the professionalism and teamwork of officers involved in the investigation and arrests.

Police said the swift response helped address a significant risk to public safety and prevent further harm in the community.