A woman has been arrested after an alleged “hate-motivated crime” where a Chinese school student was left with serious facial injuries in an assault on a bus in Auckland’s Pakuranga late last month.
It’s alleged the woman assaulted the 16-year-old victim as they were on a bus travelling from Howick to Auckland City along Pakuranga Rd on June 28.
The boy allegedly had three teeth knocked out in the assault, while three others were damaged.
The offender left the bus before police arrived.
Detective Senior Sergeant James Mapp said police carried out a search warrant at a Pakuranga property this morning.
“Police will allege this is a hate-motivated crime,” he said.
Mapp said earlier that there was “no tolerance” for this type of crime or intimidation.
“We understand the fear and concern events like this inflict on the community and we will continue to pursue every lead to hold this person to account.”
Transport Minister and local MP Simeon Brown earlier said in a post to his Facebook page he was “horrified” by the assault.
“Nobody should have to leave their home worrying about their safety in public.”
A 39-year-old woman will appear in the Manukau District Court tomorrow charged with wounding with intent to wound.
