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A man will be in court this afternoon in relation��to the massive Gisborne brawl which left two dead and three in hospital.��

Police Detective Inspector Dave de Lange told ��һ�ǿ�����talk ZB he will be up on charges of wounding with intent.��

Police Minister Mark Mitchell is urging people in the Gisborne community not to consider retaliation and a local councillor said “there is no future in utu”.��

About 100 people were��involved in a massive fight on Lytton Road��in Elgin after two gatecrashers arrived at a 21st birthday party. Two people were killed and three others were critically injured.��

Gisborne Councillor Colin Alder told����һ�ǿ�����talk ZB’s Mike Hosking he has it on reasonably good authority gangs are involved, but “They are not at war, as such.”��

”It was an unfortunate event at a party where alcohol and possible drugs were involved … who takes a knife to a party.”��

The risk of retaliatory attacks was always considered by police, Mitchell told TVNZ’s Breakfast this morning.��

”It’s obviously an awful finish to what was a family celebration” so people’s focus should be on supporting family who were mourning.��

”Any thoughts of retaliation should disappear immediately.”��

Alder said there has been an increased gang presence in the country, but would like to encourage the gang leaders to keep talking.��

”There is no future in utu. You will put more lives at risk and more time will be spent behind bars,” he said.��

”I would just like to put a thought out to the mothers of the boys involved. I appeal to them to talk to their sons and stop this thing escalating.”��

Inspector Darren Paki said police received a number of calls about a “mass disorder” occurring at an address in Gisborne at 11.30pm Saturday.��

A large fight had broken out onto the street and additional staff as well as the Armed Offenders Squad was called in for back-up.��

“We understand the fight had broken out after two uninvited guests arrived at a whānau gathering,” Paki said.��

Two victims were located upon police arrival and staff attempted to provide emergency medical assistance, but both men were later confirmed deceased, said Paki.��

Three others are currently in hospital with injuries believed to be caused by a stabbing.��

“Police from around the district and surrounding areas have been called to boost our staffing numbers for reassurance,” Paki said.��

One person of interest was arrested at the scene and is assisting with police inquiries.��

Police attempted to perform CPR to revive the two victims at the scene.��

Police cordon at corner of Birrell St and Mānuka St, Gisborne. Photo / Scarlett Cvitanovich��

Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz said she had been receiving updates from the police chief about the situation and investigation.��

Stoltz described it as an “absolute tragedy”.��

“It is really sad and our hearts break for the whānau involved,” Stoltz said.��

The mayor reassured the public that Gisborne is a “safe place” and police were in control of the situation.��

“I do want to reassure everyone please look after each other, this is a distressing time for our Gisborne community so be kind and reach out,” she said.��

Stoltz said while the hospital was previously in lockdown, the emergency department is currently open for those needing care. There would be a police presence “just to make sure everyone feels safe”.��

A full scene examination was expected to be completed today.��

The two deceased men’s bodies remain at the scene. Paki would not reveal which gang was involved in the incident.��

Paki said they were working closely with leaders in the Gisborne community to reassure that the community feels safe.��

“This is very clearly a distressing situation for the community and particularly for the families now grieving loved ones. What should have been a happy occasion for this family, fuelled by alcohol, has turned into an ugly and an awful tragedy for the people involved,” police said.��

A 45-year-old man and 21-year-old man both remain in hospital in a serious but stable condition with suspected stab wounds.��

Meanwhile a 30-year-old man is in a critical condition in the intensive care unit.��

“Due to the nature of this incident, police have a presence at the emergency department of Gisborne Hospital, where access to the emergency department is being managed,” a police statement read.��

The hospital’s emergency department remains open to those needing care.��

Family mourn deaths��

Family members gathered at the scene of a double homicide in Gisborne where 100 people took part in a mass brawl last night.��

The bodies of the two men remained at the site on Lytton Rd.��

A tent has been set up where the bodies lie, and a large police presence is managing a cordon on the street.��

Extra police officers are being brought in from outside Gisborne after the brawl, which also left three people in a critical condition.��

Armed Offenders Squad and Criminal Investigative Branch (CIB) officers have arrived from Hawke’s Bay to assist with the investigation.��

Police said this morning they had launched a homicide investigation after disorder broke out around 11.30pm.��

“A number of police units were needed to gain control of the scene, and during this time two men were located deceased,” said Tairāwhiti Area Commander acting Inspector Danny Kirk.��

Police guard the Gisborne Hospital after an altercation involving up to 100 people left two men dead and three in critical condition in hospital. Photo / Scarlett Cvitanovich��

Police at the cordon of the scene of a major altercation in Gisborne. Photo / Scarlett Cvitanovich��

- additional reporting Murray Robertson, Gisborne Herald��