Four people have been arrested after a daytime fight broke out in Whakatāne.

Officers were called to the Kopeopeo shopping area about 12.30pm on Wednesday, April 15, after a fight involving several people with gang connections.

By the time police arrived, most of those involved had fled, police said.

Eastern Bay of Plenty area prevention manager Senior Sergeant Anthony Hay said this sort of public place violence was “alarming for the community to witness” and “completely unacceptable”.

“This took place in a busy shopping area in the middle of the day. Our community should never have had to witness this type of gang violence and be made to feel unsafe.”

Hay thanked members of the public who contacted emergency services and those who later provided information.

The four men appeared in the Whakatāne District Court on May 12 and were granted bail. They are due to reappear on May 26.

A 20-year-old man is charged with unlawful assembly and assault with a weapon.

A 24-year-old faces charges of unlawful assembly, assault with a weapon, assault with intent to injure, and prohibited display of gang insignia in public.

One 28-year-old is charged with unlawful assembly and possessing a knife in a public place, while another 28-year-old faces charges of unlawful assembly and assault with a weapon.

Hay said further arrests or charges had not been ruled out.

“I am pleased we are able to hold these people to account, and we remain committed to keeping our community safe.”