Man struck by car in brawl at Pacific Werribee, Hoppers Crossing
STAFF at Werribee Plaza say they’re too fearful to work at night, owing to escalating trouble between roving ethnically based gangs after two groups brawled and a man was hit by a car.
Law & Order
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WARRING ethnic gangs clashed at a Werribee shopping centre on Saturday night in the latest bout of the violence plaguing Melbourne’s western suburbs.
Witnesses said the main brawl was between rival gangs.
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In another incident, a group of up to 10 youths ambushed a carload of men, leading to an all-in brawl, which lasted more than an hour, outside the Pancake Parlour in Werribee Plaza.
Police said the fight was between Islander and Caucasian males.
Those in the car later tried to drive off, hitting a Werribee man, 22, who was rushed to hospital with leg injuries.
Police who were later confronted by two other aggressive males had to resort to the use of capsicum spray.
Terrified workers at Werribee Plaza say the shopping centre has become a no-go zone after dark.
They told the Herald Sun they were too fearful to work at night, owing to escalating trouble between roving ethnically based gangs. Some restaurants have employed specialist security staff.
A terrified Madison Poland said she was dining just metres away when the brawl unfolded.
“A group started swearing at each other, then fighting, then all these kids came running from different directions, which is when it started to escalate,” she told the Herald Sun.
“They were just going at each other. Police were outnumbered and couldn’t really do anything.
“There were ethnic divisions between the groups. It was definitely based on race.”
Ed Cage was working at a nearby restaurant when he witnessed the chaos.
“They all kept shouting and screaming. Some were even taking their shirts off and running around,” Mr Cage said.
“Groups usually congregate here. There’s always trouble at night. It’s a hangout area.”
Waitress Jess said a girl came into the Pancake Parlour asking for milk after being affected by the capsicum spray.
“It was crazy,” she said.
A 15-year-old Hungry Jack’s employee said: “There were a lot of Sudanese people here. They were cursing and yelling, and then it turned into a brawl. There were two foot chases: people were running from police.”
Police spokeswoman Belinda Batty said it is understood a car carrying four occupants was approached by a group of 8-10 people known to them.
“An altercation occurred between the parties, with some of the occupants in the car getting out briefly, before getting back into the vehicle and attempting to drive away,” she said.
“In the process of driving away, the vehicle has struck one of the people from the group.”
A 17-year-old girl, originally an occupant of the vehicle, was left behind following the incident and assisted police with their inquiries at the scene.
OC spray was deployed when males, believed to be unknown to the groups and not involved in the incident, approached police aggressively.
Ambulance Victoria confirm a number of MICA units and other ambulances were sent out.
Resident Lisa said there was always trouble at the Plaza, particularly at night on weekends.
“The Plaza is like that all the time,” she said.
“There’s uniformed police patrolling the inside of it now all the time because of the trouble ... there’s that much trouble these days.”
Police say the investigation is ongoing and further inquiries will be made with the parties involved.
Police believe two men in a blue sedan described as caucasian, aged in their mid-20s, may be able to assist investigators with their inquiries.
Police are urging any witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.