A police investigation is underway regarding allegations from the family of a 16-year-old student from New Zealand that he was assaulted by a police officer and badly bruised during an arrest for offences relating to disorderly behaviour on Sunday night, October 29.

He was with a group of youths who were celebrating in Nuku'alofa after watching on television Tonga’s National Rugby League team, Mate Ma’a Tonga, defeat Scotland in a Rugby League World Cup match.

Francis Finn Tunbridge Norris is a New Zealand student studying in Tonga. His family wrote to Matangi Tonga late on Monday, alleging that the boy was assaulted during this arrest with others, at around 10:00pm on Sunday. The family were concerned because they heard he was injured and they wanted him to receive medical attention. The New Zealand High Commission was also advised.

Police Commissioner

Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell today responded that he has requested an investigation into the circumstances of this complaint of assault, although no formal complaint has been made.

“The passengers, between the ages of 15-47 were in various states of intoxication, refused to stop and continued to make loud noises as well as swearing at the two police officers,” he said.

Two officers called for assistance and five more officers responded. The police officers managed to stop the group in front of the bus stop, where they were arrested.

The Commissioner said members of the group resisted arrest and force had to be used to bring the situation under control before it escalated.

“These young police officers had a difficult task in making these arrests, and had to use a degree of force to bring the situation under control. Policing is a difficult job dealing with difficult people, normally under the influence of alcohol.”

The 11 arrested have all been charged with offences relating to disorderly behaviour, causing unnecessary noise on a Sunday, and using threatening and abusive language to the police officers.

Francis is charged at this stage with disorderly behaviour and causing unnecessary noise on a Sunday.

Behaviour

Commissioner Caldwell appealed for good behaviour from fans during the remaining World Cup Games.

“We wish our team all the best in their endeavours to bring the cup home, but while we enjoy the occasion, I ask that people respect the law and respect each other.”

Meanwhile, Francis's uncle from New Zealand advised that the youths had been released on October 30. "The boys are out now, and has been to the doctors, accompanied by the officers and seems ok," he said. The boys were bruised and he was grateful that they were eventually released to see a doctor.  "I guess the celebration went overboard," he said.