Nine more people charged in relation to brawl outside Palmerston North court

Police believe they have identified nine more people involved in a melee outside the Palmerston North District Court earlier this month.

An altercation involving rival gang members left one person in critical condition on 16 July at the entrance of the courthouse.

Police arrested and charged a 33-year-old man at the time, who is due to appear in Palmerston North District Court on 18 August on charges of fighting in a public place and theft from a person.

Using CCTV footage to identify and locate individuals, a further nine people have been arrested and charged in relation to the brawl.

Inspector Phil Ward praised the intervention of court security staff.

"They put themselves directly in harm's way to separate the group, and ultimately prevented this situation from escalating further."

He added that violence would not be tolerated and that the community's safety was his priority.

The nine additional people, aged 15 to 33, are due to appear in Palmerston North District Court throughout August, facing charges of fighting in a public place, assault with intent to injure, and criminal damage.