1 NEWS has received reports that South Auckland's Otahuhu is "in lockdown" by police looking to avoid any incidents from rugby league fans after the Tonga vs England semi-final at Mount Smart stadium tonight.
A 1 NEWS cameraman has sent in pictures of police lining the streets of Otahuhu and says they have blocked off major roads in the area.
He says there are around 200 officers in the area meaning it should be a quiet night.
Previous incidents of violence and unsafe fan behaviour in the area by Tongan and Samoan fans has prompted the extra vigilance.
Police say: "The Tongan rugby team played admirably, and police have no concerns about the fact that they lost."
England earlier edged Tonga 20-18 after a late Tongan surge at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland to win their Rugby League World Cup semi-final.
SHARE ME