Student knocked out in Hyde St 'brawl'

A University of Otago student was knocked unconscious during "a brawl" in Hyde St, Dunedin, involving up to 50 people last night.

A witness, who declined to be named, said a large group of students was celebrating St Patrick's Day on the street when a series of fights broke out.

"There were three fights. Each time one fight started, it got broken up and another one started. "They were all boys. It was just pure testosterone and alcohol," she said. "There were 40 to 50 green dudes brawling in the middle of the street."

The witness believed the party started before 11am yesterday.

Senior Sergeant Trevor Thomson, of Dunedin, said police were called to the incident about 6.45pm, and found a 20-year-old male unconscious.

When he regained consciousness, he was taken to Dunedin Hospital as a precaution, but his injuries were not thought to be serious.

A 19-year-old unemployed man, wearing nothing but green underwear, was arrested at the scene and charged with fighting.

Snr Sgt Thomson said it was not clear how many people were involved in the fight, but believed the incident had been brief.

"No-one at the scene was able to help us with our inquiries because they were too intoxicated."

It was hoped Campus Watch staff, who were supervising the party, would be able to provide more details today.

Willowbank firefighters were called to a rubbish fire in Leith St at 4.48pm, but Snr Sgt Thomson was pleased with the overall behaviour of students on St Patrick's Day.

"We are aware that there has been a lot of student activity today, and their behaviour has been noted through Campus Watch.

But we haven't had to take much of an active role in student activities today."

- john.lewis@odt.co.nz