Police pelted with rocks, fires lit as ‘lawless’ youth run amok
Officers were forced to barricade themselves inside after a mob of youths attacked the police station on Palm Island overnight.
Townsville
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Officers were forced to barricade themselves inside after a mob of youths attacked the police station on Palm Island overnight.
The ordeal broke out about 10:30pm on Saturday when a group of about 30 youths were reported throwing large rocks and other objects at police officers and their vehicle.
The officers were forced to lock themselves in the police station where they were surrounded by the kids who allegedly pelted the building, as well as the Police Barracks with rocks and other objects before leaving 30 minutes later.
Police later responded to a number of fires on Beach Road near the Joyce Palmer Health Service about 12:30am.
No buildings or property were damaged by the fires.
Palm Island resident Lex Wotton said he was disappointed to learn of the overnight trouble.
He said community leaders needed to address ongoing anti-social behaviour and remove repeat offenders from the island.
“It sort of happens year after year especially at the end of school holidays,” Mr Wotton said.
“It’s lawlessness and maybe family dysfunction to a degree too.
“At the end of the day it’s the community who suffers and we’ll continue to end up in the mess we’re in now with financial troubles.”
Townsville District Officer Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon said an investigation had started after the two overnight disturbances where rocks were thrown at officers and PCYC property damaged.
“When responding to the fires, police also discovered the Palm Island PCYC had been broken into and damaged as was the PCYC vehicle,” Chief Supt. Hanlon said.
“Officers again had rocks thrown in their direction by the youths when responding to these jobs.
“Fortunately, no officers were injured as a result of any of the incidents.”
Mr Wotton said tensions between the residents and law enforcement wasn’t completely resolved but admitted the current Officer in Charge was doing a ‘good job’ building good relations with the community.
He said a lack of community leadership needed to be addressed.
“The community and local leaders have allowed it to happen for so long,” Mr Wotton said.
“I raised an issue last year about people selling ice here and asked for a petition to the state to assist but it’s just a lack of transparency from agencies who are receiving funds.
“The problems on Palm can be easily fixed if they put their money in the right place but it’s just politicians who want to fly in and fly out and it’s always about the economy because a place like Palm keeps people in jobs.”
Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon said community leaders and Elders were working closely with police to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all community members after the incident overnight.
“Palm Island police have established good relationships and partnerships with the local community and are very frustrated and disappointed at the actions of this group in threatening officers, as well as damaging property,” Chief Supt Hanlon said.
“Police should not be subjected to these acts of violence and the QPS has commenced a
comprehensive investigation to identify and bring those responsible to justice, as well as
determining the extent of damage to police property and the PCYC.”
Originally published as Police pelted with rocks, fires lit as ‘lawless’ youth run amok