Man badly hurt in gang clash

A man is in Dunedin Hospital with serious head injuries following an armed altercation between two rival gangs last night.

Emergency services were called to a Helena St, South Dunedin, address at 6pm following reports of two groups fighting with sticks.

Detective Sergeant Malcolm Inglis said as a result of the incident two men from opposing sides were taken to hospital, one with serious head injuries and the other with moderate injuries.

Two men in their 20s, also from opposing sides, were arrested.

Det Sgt Inglis confirmed gang members were involved in the incident, but declined to say which groups were involved.

However, it is understood Mongrel Mob members were involved in the incident.

Det Sgt Inglis said police would not tolerate gang violence and would ‘‘come down hard'' on any incidents.