27 Jan 2017

12 arrested after shooting at Mongrel Mob funeral

7:30 pm on 27 January 2017

Police have arrested 12 people following a gang shooting in Whakatane earlier this month.

Shots have been fired in Whakatane, where a gang funeral is being held, and several arrests have been made, police say.

Tensions were high in Whakatane when members of rival gangs Mongrel Mob and Black Power clashed during a funeral procession. Photo: Facebook

The Armed Offenders Squad canvassed the town after the Mongrel Mob and Black Power clashed during a funeral procession.

Police said four search warrants were carried out at properties in Whakatane this morning in relation to the incident.

Detective Senior Sergeant John Wilson said 12 men had been arrested.

They faced a raft of charges, including using a firearm against law enforcement officers, reckless discharge of a firearm and participating in an organised criminal group.

Mr Wilson said the anti-social behaviour of the individuals and the gangs was dangerous and unacceptable.