Children assaulted on Elster Canal path in Brighton by youths allegedly armed with knives

Police are hunting a mob of youths who allegedly attacked school children while armed with knives in two separate shocking incidents on a Brighton walking trail.

Police are hunting youths after an alleged attack on the Elster Canal Path in Brighton.

Police are hunting a mob of youths who allegedly attacked school children who were walking along a busy Brighton walking trail in two separate shocking incidents.

The attacks both occurred a week apart on the Elster Canal path in Brighton about 4pm on July 24 and 31.

It’s understood two 10-year-old boys were set upon and assaulted by a group of teens carrying knives in the first incident and two 13-year-old girls were also chased by a group of teens armed with knives in the most recent incident.

Brighton Liberal MP James Newbury said he had met with the victims’ families, who were distraught by the attacks.

“Brighton parents are horrified by the recent knife-wielding attacks on local young children. It should be safe to take an afternoon walk in Brighton, and it should be safe to enjoy our park,” Mr Newbury said.

“We cannot allow another family to be put through this trauma.”

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said police were investigating two incidents in Brighton last month regarding reports of youths chasing and assaulting children in the Elster Canal path area on July 24 and 31.

“Both investigations are ongoing. Police patrols in the area have been increased,” the spokeswoman said.

The spate of incidents comes after two other shocking youth attacks in Brighton this year.

In May, a teenager was stabbed in the stomach during a violent brawl in Elsternwick Park, Brighton.

It’s understood up to 20 youths confronted the 17-year-old victim and his friends, who were hanging out at the park at 9.30pm.

Police said a verbal altercation triggered an all-out brawl.

Amid the fighting, the teen from Elwood was stabbed in the stomach before the group fled through the park into nearby streets.

A young girl was also sexually assaulted at a party at Dendy Park, Brighton in March after a group of males crashed the late night teen gathering.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

Originally published as Children assaulted on Elster Canal path in Brighton by youths allegedly armed with knives