The twin late night assaults in the city's Queens Park at the weekend left one victim in critical care and the other in a serious condition.
Police have confirmed they are investigating links between the assaults and a compilation video posted to social media which has a caption claiming it is a group of young men "exposing predators" in Invercargill.
The video has three separate clips with groups of youths surrounding and/or chasing a person.
The first clip, which appears to be filmed at night in Queens Park, shows a youth running after a young male and then pinning them to the ground.
The pursuer then asks whether the male had come to the park to meet a 15-year-old.
The second shows a trio of youths chasing someone who escapes into their ute. As the person drives away the group attack the vehicle.
The third shows a pack attack at Invercargill shopping centre where a victim is kicked in the head and hit multiple times.
Southland area prevention manager acting Inspector Mel Roberston said police were aware of the video circulating online and were investigating a potential link with the late night Queens Park assaults.
"We believe this group of alleged offenders are following online trends where they use these platforms to meet people with the intention to violently assault them, film it and share online."
Inspector Robertson said "there is no information at this stage to suggest that any specific group of people is being targeted”.
"We strongly urge people not to share these videos or encourage this behaviour."
He described the behaviour in the videos as "abhorrent, callous offending and completely unnecessary in our community".
Victims of assault or those with information are encouraged to reach out to police over the phone via 105, or online at 105.police.govt.nz
- Allied Media
