Four teenage boys have been arrested and charged over a series of violent assaults in Invercargill in which dating app Grindr was used to lure victims to attack locations.

Two 15-year-old males and two 16-year-old males have each been charged with aggravated burglary following an intensive police investigation into four separate incidents.

Southland Area Prevention Manager acting Inspector Mel Robertson said the group used the app to draw victims to pre-arranged locations before violently assaulting them.

“This offending was deliberate, coordinated and extremely dangerous. It is nothing short of luck that the victims were not more seriously injured,” Robertson said.

“The reality is stark. One more strike, one more kick, and the outcome could have been fatal.”

Robertson said police were also increasingly concerned about the influence of online and social media trends on the offending.

“These youths are old enough to understand exactly what they are doing, and choosing to engage in harmful, trend-driven behaviour that endangers others will not be excused, and it will carry serious consequences.”

The investigation is ongoing and further arrests and charges are expected.

All four alleged offenders will appear in the Invercargill Youth Court.

Police are urging the public to take care when engaging with people online and to report any suspicious behaviour immediately.