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American tourists attacked in Rotorua

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Wed, 06 Jan 2010 5:33p.m.

Three teenagers have been arrested after a pair of American tourists were attacked and robbed in central Rotorua.

The man and woman, in their early 20s, were allegedly set upon by three assailants near Rangiuru Street about 11.25pm on Saturday.

They were bruised and scratched in the attack and had their belongings stolen, Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper of Rotorua police said.

After the assault, police used a dog to track and find an 18-year-old man, who had fled through a nearby park.

Police yesterday arrested a 14-year-old boy over the attack. Both appeared in the Rotorua Youth Court today and were remanded to a later date.

Police have also caught a 17-year-old boy, who will appear in the Youth Court tomorrow. All three have been charged with aggravated robbery.

Shaken but not seriously hurt, the Americans have since continued with their travels around New Zealand.

NZPA

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Comments

08 Jan 2010 09:55a.m.

Alien wrote:

actually the recession is responsible for the decline in tourist numbers. Knowing a few regular travellers they openly state that their is crime in every country and that this does not put them off coming to NZ

07 Jan 2010 01:27p.m.

Dan wrote:

Shame on our youth. The recent incidents relating to tourists have started a huge decline in numbers of inbound tourists as well as tourism dollars which are crucial for our economy. Wonder what the politicians and police are going to do about this. The law needs to be amended drastically with regards to the punishment handed out if arrested.