A raft of "appaling" assaults in and around Lower Hutt's Queensgate Mall has left parents of school students worried and triggered a meeting with community leaders.
On Sunday, a 14-year-old boy was brutally attacked, knocking out his two front teeth and leaving his face covered in blood.
The victim's mum Amy told Stuff her son Noah was attacked by two other teenagers inside the mall, all of whom attend Hutt Valley High School.
The mum told Stuff Noah was treated in hospital and as a result of the attack, he has to wear a brace for two weeks to hold his teeth in place, in that time the 14-year-old will blend his food in order to eat it.
A police spokesperson told Newshub that two youths were arrested and have been referred to Youth Aid.
But it's not only this violent incident that has left the Lower Hutt community disturbed, it was only a week before that a person was assaulted and had their phone stolen on Bunny St.
Local MP for Hutt South Ginny Andersen told Newshub the streets surrounding Queensgate Mall and more specifically Bunny St has been a crime hotspot for a long time.
"It's unacceptable and violence in our community shouldn't be tolerated."
Bunny St homes a busy bus stop that many Lower Hutt school students use, which Andersen says provides "shelter for crime".
"There have been ongoing issues in that particular area which concerns me, I know there is some work planned by the Regional Council to develop Bunny St."
A number of parents whose children catch the bus have since asked to meet with Andersen, expressing their concerns about the safety of their children.
Andersen plans to meet with about eight parents on Thursday.
Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry found the attacks "deeply concerning, and quite frankly, appalling".
He plans to meet with police, the mall, MPs, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Metlink in a bid to come up with a plan to stop the assaults from happening.
"It is vital a solution be found to ensure the safety of people simply going about their daily lives."
Hutt Valley High School has been approached for comment.
