• Police monitored gang members on a memorial drive in East Auckland, leading to arrests.
• Objects were thrown at police at Botany Junction; three arrests and three motorbikes were seized.
• Police are investigating and expect more arrests for driving offences and aggressive behaviour.

A large police presence has formed outside an East Auckland restaurant this afternoon, sparking a violent standoff.

A police operation had been monitoring the movements and behaviour of gang members on a memorial drive through the latter part of the morning and into the afternoon.

Counties Manukau Police Inspector Adam Pyne said, “police are incredibly disappointed at behaviour exhibited by some gang members on a memorial ride in parts of Counties Manukau today.”

The group of at least 100 were then monitored travelling to a function at a bar at Botany Junction, where a number of people were arrested and objects were thrown at police.

A witness told the Herald he saw about 40 police officers as he drove past Melt Soul Food in Botany, and many others were across the road.

The witness said it looked like gang members had entered the restaurant.

A worker at a nearby restaurant said police arrived about 3pm.

A video showed a large group of people, many wearing white, gathered at the restaurant.

The packed bar’s carpark features multiple motorbikes, with black helmets resting on their respective handlebars.

A worker from a local shop said his employees heard “loud motorbikes” before the police arrived.

About 40 police are at Melt Soul Food in Botany.

Police said that while most were well behaved, they did observe some poor driving behaviour on parts of the route and intervened on several occasions, as the group travelled to West Auckland and returned towards Flat Bush.

Police said two arrests were made for driving offences and two motorbikes were seized.

When the group arrived at a function in Botany later in the afternoon, one of those attending performed a burnout outside the bar.

Police said they took affirmative action in putting a stop to this activity.

“Some of those present exited the bar and became aggressive towards Police staff present, with objects thrown towards our staff.”

Three arrests were made at the scene, one of which was for wearing gang insignia in a public place. Another three motorbikes were seized at this location, police said.

Police said they took action and advised those present to leave the area, and the bar was shut down.

Police are now investigating the actions of those present at the bar in Botany Junction, along with some of the other driving behaviour earlier in the day.

“We will not hesitate to take action against those who think that this behaviour is acceptable.

“We have made five arrests today and we expect to make further arrests as our investigation continues.”

More to come...