Two rival shop owners injured in Australia Fair shopping centre brawl

A bitter feud between rival shop owners is believed to have sparked a wild brawl at one of the Gold Coast’s biggest shopping centres. Now someone has been charged.

Paramedics and police escort a man injured in a fight at Australia Fair. Picture: Nigel Hallett

A BITTER feud between rival shop owners is believed to have sparked a wild brawl at one of the Gold Coast’s biggest shopping centres.

An injured man is taken by ambulance and police from Australia Fair shopping centre. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Emergency service crews responded to alarms from Australia Fair shopping centre at Southport just after 4.30pm on Friday after reports two men were involved in a violent confrontation involving wooden objects.

According to police a 64-year-old Southport man allegedly used a billy club to bash a married couple, who are known to him.

Police interview witnesses following a violent fight at Australia Fair. Picture: Nigel Hallett

It’s alleged the older man, who owns a shop at the shopping hot spot, used the billy club to hit the 51-year-old man multiple times across the head, before the alleged victim’s 39-year-old wife made attempts to help her husband.

Police allege the woman was punched in the side of the head by the older man while trying to assist.

One of the injured men talks to police. Picture: Nigel Hallett

An innocent shopper was also caught up in the drama, as police allege the older man pushed a 61-year-old woman to the ground as he attempted to leave the shop.

The alleged perpetrator has been charged with three counts of assault and one count each of assault causing bodily harm, serious assault of a person over 60 and going armed to cause fear.

He will face Southport Magistrates Court today, August 24.

Emergency services attend Australia Fair shopping centre. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Originally published as Two rival shop owners injured in Australia Fair shopping centre brawl