A violent street brawl ''erupted'' in central Oamaru early yesterday. Sergeant Tony Woodbridge, of Oamaru, said two police officers ''stumbled'' across 20 people fighting in Wear St at 12.20am yesterday.
About 60 people were watching the brawl between Otago youths and ''out-of-town'' contractors working in the district, he said.
''It was a violent fight, a lot of punches getting thrown and people ending up on the ground.''
Police back-up was called and with the help from Sports Central Brewhouse security staff the fight was stopped, Sgt Woodbridge said. The doormen's help was ''greatly appreciated.''
The fighters were not using weapons and nobody required medical attention, he said.
Four men were charged with fighting in public - two in their late teens, the others in their late 20s and late 30s.
The men would appear in the Oamaru District Court, he said.
A person charged was wearing gang colours and regalia, Sgt Woodbridge said.
''That's normally something that doesn't happen in Oamaru and we will be working to resolve that. We don't want that sort of carry-on happening on the street.''
Sgt Woodbridge would not reveal the gang.
The previous weekend, the same group had clashed, he said.
''And it erupted again.''
Police inquiries would continue this week and more people would be charged, he said.
