Police have called for video footage of the mayhem at Gisborne's BW Festival, as investigators consider laying more serious charges against the ringleaders of the New Year's Eve riot.
Gisborne police this afternoon said investigations were continuing into the riot, after which 63 people were arrested and dozens injured.
The large-scale disorder, sparked by a small group of males torching tents, soon attracted a "mob mentality" and spread across two BW Summer Festival camp grounds.
Police, who believe it was pre-meditated trouble planned by a core group, battled with the drunken mobs for three hours.
The trouble started at about 5.30pm when groups of festival goers in the BW camp ground in Watson Park on the city beach front confronted each other across the fence that divided their two zones.
In the end, 83 people were injured, including seven who needed hospital treatment.
Officers, security staff, camp workers, and fellow revellers were pelted with full cans, tent poles and other objects, while vehicles were overturned, fights broke out, and dozens of tents and air mattresses torched.
Those arrested were facing a variety of charges including disorderly behaviour, assault and assault with a weapon, and most have been summonsed to appear in the Gisborne District Court later this month.
Senior Sergeant Steve Sutherland said police were keen to view any video footage of the riot taken by people who were in the area at the time.
"Our investigations into the incident are continuing and it doesn't stop when people have been arrested," he said.
"We want to see as much footage as possible so we can identify those who took an active part in the riot."
Police have also been viewing numerous videos posted on media and social media sites.
It was likely many more people had recorded parts of the riot on their cellphones.
"It would be very helpful for our investigation to gather as much information as we can and we hope those who hold that information will be able to assist us."
Police had found evidence that suggested the violence had been planned in advance on social media and they were considering charging some those arrested with inciting a riot.
Tairawhiti area commander Inspector Sam Aberahama yesterday said the scene resembled something out of a movie.
"It was pure luck that someone didn't lose their life," he said.
"Most of the injuries people suffered were caused by the missiles that were thrown."
- NZME.
