Women bashed by 7 girls in ‘vicious’ and unprovoked attack, police say

The alleged vicious unprovoked bashing of two women in the CBD by a gang of seven girls is the latest incident in an ongoing battle waged by traders against chroming, vandalism and violence.SEE THE ARREST VIDEO

THE alleged horrific unprovoked bashing in the Cairns CBD by a group of seven girls on Wednesday is the latest incident in an ongoing battle waged by CBD traders against chroming, vandalism and violence.

Police allege two Northern Beaches women, aged 43 and 39, were walking along Lake St at about 1.50am when they became involved in a verbal altercation with a group of girls, police allege.

The argument escalated and the youths aged between 11 and 15 lashed out to viciously punch, kick and drag both women, police allege.

Acting Inspector Kyell Palmer said the women from the northern beaches were enjoying a night out when allegedly set upon by the group of girls.

“We will allege they were viciously assaulted in an unprovoked assault by seven offenders,” he said.

“We will allege the assault consisted of punching, kicking and dragging.”

Responding to a call from operators of the CBD’s city safe camera network police were quickly at the scene.

“We will allege they tried to flee the scene but due to excellent work and communication we were able to apprehend the offenders,” he said.

The group was arrested at the scene.

Lake St Adventure Cairns and Beyond store owner Erryn Wells said the Wednesday incident was the latest in an ongoing battle against stealing, chroming, vandalism and violent attacks.

“That happens every couple of days,” she said.

“I’ve had this window smashed three times, $3,000 a time. Same idiots, and then you call the coppers and they say as ‘he’s under 16 I can’t do anything’.

“(Police) move them on, so then they start abusing the bus drivers.

“At a Queensland state level we need to change the ruling (for) young kids that are continually getting in trouble.

“They are stealing cars and they’re punching people because they know they don’t get in trouble.

“Last school holidays we had tourists attacked walking back to hotels. And the reason why they were attacked is because our young kids get away with it.

Each girl accused of the CBD attack was charged with two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.

The alleged Lake St assault follows completion of Cairns Regional Council Shields St redesign aimed at improving safety by improved lighting and removing areas notorious for attracting illegal drinkers.

Works between Abbott and Lake streets ended last month.

Acting general manager for infrastructure services Gary Eversion said council had no plans to upgrade Shields St from Lake St to Grafton streets.

“Safety improvement works in the central section of Shields St … will improve sight lines and lighting, a major element local businesses wanted enhanced,” he said.

Earlier this month in response to concerns about CBD safety following a Cairns Central murder and stabbing of a police officer, Cairns City Beat Senior-Sergeant Gary Hunter said CBD crime was on a downward trend.

Acting Inspector Palmer said although the Cairns Safe Night Precinct enjoyed a good safety record it paid to be aware.

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“In terms of personal safety you need to be aware of your surroundings, walk in well-lit areas, walk with friends or groups,” he said.

“It is concerning to us but these incidents are extremely rare in the Safe Night Precinct.”

Both women were taken to Cairns Hospital and have since been discharged. Any witnesses to the incident are urged to contact Policelink.

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Originally published as Women bashed by 7 girls in ‘vicious’ and unprovoked attack, police say