North Star FC closes club in wake of brutal stabbing
An eye witnesses to the mass brawl north of Brisbane said the horror erupted within seconds where people were being smashed against the building, throwing glass bottles and hitting each other with planks of wood as one is dead and another three fight for life.
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The mass brawl at a suburban park in Brisbane’s north that left one person dead, three critically injured, and up to six others badly hurt, erupted “within a split second”, according to an eyewitness.
Neighbouring resident Keeah Osborne was walking her dog on Sunday afternoon when she noticed a group of more than 20 people “all of a sudden start screaming and yelling” at each other by the back of the North Star Football Club grounds at O’Callaghan Park in Zillmere.
“They were just hanging out normally and something just happened to set them all off at once,” Ms Osborne said.
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“They were smashing people against the building, throwing glass bottles at each other, breaking glass, hitting each other with planks of wood and kicking people to the ground.
“We didn’t stick around too long after that, it was very scary.”
The football club based at the scene of a stabbing murder at Zillmere last night has issued a statement after the grisly incident last night.
Several Zillmere residents said the horrific fight involving several men in their 20s was indicative of a greater problem with youth crime in the area.
“This is so concerning,” said resident Ashleigh Saunders.
“Youth crime in our area has been escalating for some time now and it’s only a matter of time before some unsuspecting family gets caught in the middle.
“For too long it’s been ignored, my only hope is something is done as soon as possible.”
The sound of sirens and helicopters drew the attention of Carol Monteagle, who lives just one block away from the scene.
“I went outside to look but my son told me to stay inside and lock the doors,” Ms Monteagle said.
“Tonight was crazy.”
Multiple crime scenes have been established, including one at the Zillmere PCYC.
The offenders remain on the run.
The death is believed to have happened during an alleged gang brawl at the North Star Football Club grounds at O’Callaghan Park.
North Star FC issued statement confirming the violence was not linked to the family club however it would remain closed while investigations were carried out.
It is believed the club would usually host its Little Stars U4-6 training program on Monday evenings.
“Unfortunately a non-football related incident has occurred in the O’Callaghan Park precinct this evening where serious injuries have been sustained,” they said..
“Our thoughts go out to those who have been injured and their families.
“The safety and security of our members and the community is paramount.
“At this stage the club is closed and we are awaiting further advice from Queensland Police.”