Concerns 'Mongrel Mob factor' deterring witnesses to alleged assault

Police say witnesses scared to come forward with information on the alleged assault of a man by a Mongrel Mob member are safe to do so.

Leni Taufateau, 19, was knocked unconscious when he was punched by a man police are yet to identify on Oxford Tce about 1am on Sunday. He has now regained consciousness and is improving.

• Assault victim 'wouldn't hurt a fly'

Police are searching for his alleged attacker, who was recorded by security cameras punching Taufateau, a promising rugby player, causing serious head injuries.

Detective Senior Sergeant Nicola Reeves said police have spoken to some witnesses but have noticed a reluctance from others to provide information due to the Mongrel Mob’s involvement.

“There’s definitely some who would [be] and are probably reluctant because of that Mongrel Mob aspect,” she said.

More than 100 Mongrel Mob members from across New Zealand were in Christchurch at the weekend in an apparent show of strength, including their motorcycle off-shoot the Mighty Mongrel Mob Barbarian MC.

Reeves said police would be “foolish” to think that “the Mongrel Mob factor” is not a deterrent for people coming forward.

Witnesses who want to provide information on the incident can do so anonymously and their identities will be protected by police, she said.

Police are narrowing down their list of potential suspects, but there is still a lot of work to do before they find who the alleged attacker is and where he is, said Reeves.