Sydney trains: Gang of armed youths targeted in police sting
Armed youths linked to a worrying spate of violence on the Sydney train network are the target of a new police operation, with the latest incident leaving commuters at one station terrified.
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Delinquent youth behind a spate of crime on the Sydney train network are the target of a new police sting as shocking footage emerges of armed teens allegedly terrorising commuters.
Police are urging commuters to report acts of violence across the network after three youths, allegedly armed, were arrested in Sydney’s west.
It comes as disturbing CCTV footage released by police from June 12 shows a young man brandishing a machete allegedly threatening commuters at Rooty Hill Railway Station about 5pm, before being confronted by four young males armed with knives and a hammer.
The machete-armed male is seen racing down the stairs on a train platform wearing a black tracksuit and cap as shocked bystanders watch on.
He is seen in the footage turning around as a group of four youths wearing black and grey tracksuits run down the stairs swinging weapons and shouting at the man.
The youth then flees into the carriage of a nearby train as it departs.
Following inquiries, two boys – aged 16, and 17 – were arrested in South Wentworthville and Ryde on Thursday.
The 16-year-old boy was charged with two counts of affray and was granted strict conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on Friday 31 July 2020.
The 17-year-old boy was charged with two counts of affray and armed with intent to commit indictable offence. He was refused bail and is due to next appear before a children’s court on Wednesday 5 August 2020.
A third boy, aged 17, was arrested in Minchinbury, and charged with affray and armed with intent to commit indictable offence on Friday.
He was formally granted bail to next appear before a children’s court on July 2020.
The arrests come as part of Operation Invertice, a police sting launched last week targeting robberies, assault and other anti-social behaviour on the train network.
The high-visibility operation saw NSW Police patrol St Marys, Mt Druitt, Rooty Hill, Doonside and Blacktown train stations.
During the sting, 31 people were arrested for 46 offences including assault, domestic violence, drug and weapon offences.
Further patrols will be conducted from tomorrow across railway stations in Western Sydney.