Collingwood brawl: Gang investigators raised warning

SPECIALIST gang investigators warned local police command of the potential for trouble in the lead-up to a chaotic night of violence in Collingwood last weekend.

SPECIALIST gang investigators warned local police command of the potential for trouble in the lead-up to a chaotic night of violence in Collingwood.

A rap music event at The Gasometer Hotel descended into anarchy after a fight broke out about 2.45am on September 2. About 200 people spilt onto the streets as a riot erupted.

An 18-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries after a car rammed into him, while six other men aged between 18 and 21 were also hospitalised following the night of violence.

The Herald Sun has been told investigators from the gangs taskforce raised the alarm before the event.

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Images from CCTV of the fight.

Police investigate a car accident at the scene of the brawl. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith

Local officers have said they had tried to get ­additional resources in place to deal with the expected ­trouble, but they were not provided. When the violence began, a handful of officers who were present were unable to make any ­arrests.

A source told the Herald Sun that police should have been better prepared for the event given they had the information to suggest trouble was going to erupt.

“They talk about intelligence-led policing,” the source said. “Well, they had the intelligence.”

Specialist detectives from the major collision investigation unit have carried out a painstaking analysis of the scene to build a criminal case against the driver of the car.

Blood on a car at the scene of a brawl in Mater Street, Collingwood. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith

The Gasometer Hotel in Collingwood. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Police have arrested an 18-year-old man they suspect was behind the wheel. He has been released pending further inquiries.

Yarra Crime Investigation Unit detectives are leading the probe and are going through CCTV footage to identify those    involved.

A Victoria Police statement said: “Victoria Police became aware of the Collingwood event in early August. The information originally came through to crime command and was referred to divisional police.

“Victoria Police, the venue and event organisers met three times during August to discuss the event and manage potential risks.”