Hutt South MP Ginny Andersen says possible gang conflict near Queengate Mall "appears to be a copycat" of a planned brawl in Hamilton.
It comes after residents in Lower Hutt were urged earlier on Friday afternoon to avoid the area on Bunny St near Queensgate Mall, after police became aware of information circulating online about a planned event where "parties are planning to fight one another".
The idea for the brawl comes from the Hamilton event titled 'Battle of the Hoods 2023' which has gained attention on social media.
Neither events have eventuated so far.
Andersen told Newshub it appears someone has copied the poster of the Hamilton 'Battle of the Hoods' and replaced it with Lower Hutt.
The Hutt South MP said police have been on Bunny St for two hours with no signs of illegal activity.
She added authorities weren't going to "take their chances" on the reportedly copycat event, following several violent incidents in the area last year.
