Mackay serious assault: Man, 60, allegedly bashed on McAlister St

A Gold Coast man has been charged over what has been described as a ‘very violent attack’ on his older neighbour, leaving the 60 year old fighting for his life.

A Gold Coast man has been charged after he allegedly attacked a 60-year-old man leaving him fighting for his life in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch Officer in Charge Jack Savage described the alleged attack as “very violent” and particularly concerning given the man’s age who remains in a serious condition in Mackay Base Hospital.

Detective Senior Sergeant Savage said police were called to the McAlister St housing complex about 1.50am Thursday where they found the 60 year old with “significant head injuries”.

‘There’s so much violence now in this town’. Picture: Lillian Watkins

He said a 32-year-old man was arrested not far from the home.

It is not believed he had sustained any significant injuries.

It is understood it was a younger man who had attacked the older resident on the second storey of the complex. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Sergeant Savage said the man was not known to Mackay police.

The 32-year-old was charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.

Sergeant Savage said the alleged assault happened inside the home where both men were residents and it was believed some of the occupants had been drinking the previous day.

A crime scene has been declared at the address while detectives investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault. Picture: Lillian Watkins

It is understood the 60-year-old man was a long-term resident of the McAlister St complex and while the younger man had only arrived in the past week.

Sergeant Savage described the alleged assault as a “beating”, with injuries to the face and back of the head consistent with severe trauma.

A 32-year-old man has been charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm. Picture: Lillian Watkins

What sparked the fight is still under investigation, with the home declared a crime scene early Thursday morning.

McAlister St residents have recalled the horrifying sounds that accompanied the alleged assault.

“I’ve never heard anything like it,” one neighbour said of the early morning drama.

“There’s so much violence now in this town.”

The 32-year-old is expected to appear in Mackay Magistrates Court Thursday afternoon.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.