Pair pelted with rocks in late night attack
Yet another rock throwing incident which this time left a French tourist in hospital on Sunday has led to the arrest of four kids aged between 11 and 15.
Cairns
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Yet another rock throwing incident which this time left a French tourist in hospital on Sunday has led to the arrest of four kids aged between 11 and 15.
Police allege a verbal altercation between the youths and two international tourists at 3.15am quickly escalated while the pair were walking down the Cairns Esplanade.
The group then allegedly pelted a 27-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman with rocks before leaving the scene on foot.
While the woman was not physically injured the man sustained non-life-threatening facial injuries and was transported to Cairns Hospital for treatment.
Arriving at the scene, a speedy investigation by officers led to the four people being taken into custody.
Police say stone throwing appears to be an emerging trend based on the arrest of different kids in August for allegedly pelting a public bus with rocks and a “terrifying escalation” three weeks ago when a high-velocity projectile smashed through the windows of two mini-vans operated by Cairns Taxis.
And the latest rock throwing incident follows a gang of kids being charged after allegedly targeting a man with rocks and robbing him of cash at Cairns Central last week.
Superintendent Monique Ralph has urged anyone with additional information about the most recent attack to come forward.
“We take instances like this very seriously and encourage witnesses or anyone with relevant vision to immediately contact police,” Superintendent Ralph said.
“Police have increased patrols in the CBD, with detectives from the Child Protection and Investigation Unit also assisting.
“We are expecting an additional boost to boots on the ground later this week as Operation Whiskey Legion prepares to deploy.”
All four children were refused bail and are due to appear at Cairns Childrens Court on Monday, September 23.
Those charged include a 14-year-old Edmonton boy, a 11-year-old Trinity Beach boy, a 15-year-old Gordonvale boy and a 13-year-old Cairns City boy.
All were charged with one count each of grievous bodily harm and common assault while the 11-year-old was charged with an additional stealing and enter premises offence.
And the 13-year old is facing an additional possession of a knife in public charge.
If you have information for police contact Policelink or call 131 444.
Originally published as Pair pelted with rocks in late night attack
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