‘This has to stop. Our kids need to feel safe’: Mum speaks out after son attacked by gang at Pakenham party
Shocking footage has emerged of a teenager being brutally assaulted by a gang wearing hoods as the victim’s mum says the family plan to leave Melbourne because of the “unacceptable” violence.
Victoria
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The family of a young man brutally bashed at a suburban party have been forced to move interstate out of fear for their safety.
Victim Jack was viciously attacked by a gang of hooded youths before having his sneakers stolen at a Pakenham party over the weekend.
Shocking footage shows Jack being pinned against a wall before he was punched in the face.
The 18-year-old was then kicked and hit repeatedly after falling to the ground before his sneakers were wiped from his feet.
The attack occurred at 12.15am on Sunday out the front of a property in Corymbia Promenade, Pakenham.
His attackers are still on the run.
Jack and his family have since been forced to shift interstate.
“His injuries have required medical attention, but the scars go deeper,” family friend Michelle Noerianto said.
“For his safety, and the wellbeing of the entire family, they’ve made the tough decision to relocate interstate to start fresh in a safer environment.”
Ms Noerianto said the victim was not deserving of the weekend assault.
“What should have been a fun night turned into a nightmare, leaving Jack physically and emotionally traumatised,” she added.
“Jack is a kind, gentle soul who didn’t deserve this.”
The offenders fled when police were called.
Earlier this week, Jack’s mother told news.com.au her son was left with a broken eye socket and serious head injuries.
She said her son was at a friend’s birthday party and did not know his attackers.
She said he was going out the back door to get his jumper just after midnight when he was targeted.
Her son was knocked unconscious before an ambulance was called.
However, after waiting an hour, her husband put him in the car and took him to hospital himself.
“This has to stop. Our kids need to feel safe,” she said, explaining her reasoning for speaking out.
“This is unacceptable. My son is a really good kid. He’s not a troublemaker … Normal kids are getting caught up in this violence.”
In the video, party goers can be seen in the background watching the vicious assault occur.
The 18-year-old victim was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said the group attacked a second victim a short time later, stealing a number of items.
“It is believed three of the offenders then approached a 16-year-old Pakenham boy nearby on Mountford Rise,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
“They stole his phone, bag and clothing items before fleeing the scene.”
No arrests had been made by Thursday morning.
A fundraiser to support Jack has raised nearly $1,000.
Originally published as ‘This has to stop. Our kids need to feel safe’: Mum speaks out after son attacked by gang at Pakenham party
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