Three teens charged after security guard, members of the public allegedly attacked in Bendigo Marketplace gang bashing

Three teens have been charged over an alleged gang bashing at Bendigo Marketplace after nine teens were allegedly filmed attacking a security guard and bystanders who tried to help him.

A 17-year-old male was charged over an alleged gang bashing at Bendigo Marketplace.

Three teens have been charged after nine school-aged teens were allegedly caught on camera attacking a security guard and bystanders at Bendigo marketplace in an allegedly “sickening” gang attack.

Witnesses alleged a group of teenagers were drinking on a bus before entering Bendigo Marketplace and causing chaos about 4pm on Monday.

The Marketplace was sent into lockdown when a group of nine teens allegedly became violent after a security guard asked them to leave for drinking alcohol and playing loud music.

Employees and shoppers sheltered in stores behind security doors as the alleged affray unfolded.

The teenagers were allegedly filmed punching and kicking the security guard before allegedly dragging him to the ground and stomping on his head.

Members of the public who tried to intervene were also allegedly assaulted, with the shocking video allegedly depicting one male bystander being attacked by multiple teens.

Acting superintendent David Bowler outside Bendigo police station. Picture: Gianni Francis.

A 20-year-old male was treated by paramedics at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries.

Acting superintendent David Bowler said nine youths had been identified in relation to the allegedly “horrific offence”, with four arrested so far.

Detectives interviewed a 17-year-old boy, 17-year-old girl, 15-year-old girl and 14-year-old girl on Tuesday in relation to the alleged melee.

Police charged the 17-year-old boy with affray, intentionally cause injury and recklessly cause injury on Tuesday.

He was remanded in custody to appear at a children’s court on Wednesday.

On Wednesday a 16-year-old and a 14-year-old boy were charged with affray, unlawful assault and other assault related offences.

Police also identified the school the youths in school uniforms attended who were allegedly involved in the brawl.

Mr Bowler said police would work with the school and “do everything we can” to hold the youths allegedly involved accountable.

“This is our community and we want to make our community feel safe, not only in their home but when they’re out shopping or in public,” he said.

Mr Bowler said Bendigo police had stepped up patrols in the area targeting anti-social behaviour in the CBD.

The video quickly spread on social media, with community members describing the allegedly violent scene as “disgusting”, “disturbing” and “sickening”.

Police arrested four of the nine teens. Picture: Supplied.

One resident said “this makes my blood boil”, while another said “that makes me feel sick!”.

“It’s only going to get worse if some serious consequences aren’t dished out!” another resident said.

Addressing the rise in violent youth crime across Bendigo, Mr Bowler said the spike was attributed to “a very small cohort of youths that are causing some very significant harm”.

He said Bendigo police had a “strong dedicated team” focused on addressing youth offenders, working with local school, council and community agencies.

“Police can’t solve this without the assistance of our … community partners,” he said.

Mr Bowler said “the last thing” that the community needed was vigilante groups targeting troubled youths.

Nationals candidate for the seat of Bendigo Andrew Lethlean said locals were “fed up” with the increase in crime in the region.

“I have zero tolerance for this behaviour and we need to do more to address the different areas that are contributing to these incidents,” he said.

“If I’m elected to federal parliament, I won’t be handballing this issue and saying it’s a State Government responsibility. Crime is everyone’s problem.”

Mr Lethlean said if elected he would hold a local crime summit, bringing police and community members together within his first 100 days in the job.

“The state needs stronger bail laws and sentencing, but what else will help offenders learn, listen, understand, and not reoffend,” he said.

“We should also put more resources into our education system to help teachers who are dealing with a lack of respect and poor behaviour.”

Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allen said “Bendigo Marketplace should be a place for families and communities”.

“I am absolutely sickened by this (allegedly) disgusting attack,” she said.

“I know Bendigo Police is currently investigating, and they have my full support.”

Ms Allan conceded the state’s bail laws were not strong enough and she denounced the behaviour of youth criminals in her home town as “absolutely appalling”.

“I hear and understand the concerns of Bendigo locals, and am acting on those,” the Premier said.

A Department of Education spokeswoman said “any form of violence is entirely unacceptable”.

“The college will work with police and take appropriate action,” she said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.