‘Avoid the area’: Lower Hutt residents warned gang conflict with significant violence is ‘highly likely’

Lower Hutt residents are being warned to stay away from Bunny St near Queensgate Mall ahead of possible gang conflict that could see “significant violence”.

National’s Hutt South-based MP Chris Bishop issued a “very important message” for residents in Lower Hutt on Facebook.

“Police have advised schools in Lower Hutt that a gang conflict with significant violence is highly likely to occur at the Bunny St bus station outside the south end of Queensgate from 3pm,” he said on Friday.

“Strongest possible advice is to avoid the area completely.”

In a statement, a police spokesperson said they were aware of information circulating online about a planned event where “parties are planning to fight one another”.

“We would like to discourage members of the public from coming to observe this event, as there is the potential that you may put yourself in harm’s way,” the spokesperson said.

“Police will be deployed to the area and will be actively monitoring for any unlawful activity, taking enforcement action if and when appropriate.”

Pictures captured by Newshub show an increased police presence on Bunny St.

More to come.