An Auckland teenager fighting for his life in hospital was
stabbed and bashed on a Wanganui street because he was
wearing a blue hat, the colour of a rival gang, his family
says.
The 16-year-old had been on holiday in the city and staying
with his sister when he was attacked on a street on Wednesday
evening.
He was stabbed in the face and bashed across the back of the
head. He was initially taken to Wanganui Hospital but was
transferred to Wellington where he remains in intensive care.
Police were still trying to piece together what happened but
a family spokeswoman said there had been an earlier incident
between the youth's older brother and a "man in red."
Later the 16-year-old was riding his bike when he was
attacked from behind.
"He was bashed across the back of the head then stabbed in
the face."
She said the incident had been about "colours".
"It's so stupid ... the 16-year-old was wearing a blue hat
which means he associates with Black Power".
The youth's family had driven from Auckland to Wellington
Hospital, she said.
"He's pretty bad... we know that's why they sent him through
to Wellington."
A 21-year-old man was arrested at the scene of the incident
and is in custody to appear in court on December 11.
Another man is still being sought.
- By Lin Ferguson of the Wanganui Chronicle
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