Three women have appeared in court in relation to a kidnapping incident in Opotiki at the weekend.
The women - aged 32, 20 and 21 - appeared in Whakatane District Court this morning facing various charges including kidnapping, threatening to kill and injuring with intent.
All three women have been bailed to reappear on October 11. Police are not looking for any other offenders.
Opotiki police received reports about 5am yesterday reports of the assault and abduction of a 17-year-old local woman who appeared to have been involved in an altercation with three other women who then pulled her into their vehicle and drove off.
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Standen said the teenager was set upon and suffered injuries to her face and body which required medical treatment.
The attackers allegedly drove the victim to a location outside the township and left her on the side of the road.
The victim did not require any hospitalisation and is recovering from the assaults.
Mr Standen said police were asking people who may have seen or heard anything regarding the alleged abduction or home invasion to contact Kawerau or Opotiki police on (07) 323 1400, (07) 315 1110, or anonymously on (0800) 555 111.
