Teen ambushed by group of thugs in Werribee
A teenage boy with autism was chased through the streets of Werribee and bashed by a gang of thugs. Police are now hunting a group of African Australian offenders.
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A teenage boy with autism was chased down and bashed by youths in Werribee, reigniting gang violence fears.
Jayden D’Abaco, 19, was walking to Mint nightclub to celebrate a footy win with his Wyndham Suns teammates when he was ambushed by up to eight men on Watton St about 10.45pm on Saturday.
He suffered a fractured cheekbone, bruising to his body and throat, and a cut to the head.
Police are hunting the offenders, described as African Australian in appearance and aged in their 20s.
Jayden’s mother, Tess D’Abaco, said the attack on her son continued after he was knocked unconscious to the ground.
Senior Sergeant Samantha Ryan described the recent attack as “cowardly” and “spontaneous.”
“There is no excuse for this type of behaviour. It is abhorrent,” she said.
Investigators are canvassing the area for CCTV footage of the attack and offenders.
The attack has reignited concerns of gang violence in Melbourne’s north western suburbs.
Sgt Ryan acknowledged the city’s north western suburbs are a problem area for youth crime.
“Police are aware of incidents in Melbourne’s north western suburbs where groups of youths get together, misbehave, commit crimes and cowardly acts of violence,” she said.
“We want to reassure the community that it is safe and members should be able to walk around the area.”
She said the latest assault was being taken “very seriously” by police.
“We will investigate it as thoroughly as possible.”
The offenders wore dark clothing and hoodies during the attack.
It is the second time the teen has been attacked after he was bashed by several youths on a bus in Tarneit in 2017.
Police minister Lisa Neville said she felt for the victim of the “terrifying experience.”
“This is a horrible situation,” she said.
“No one should be cowardly attacked or assaulted innocently going about their day or night.
“I have full confidence that Victoria Police will bring the perpetrators to account.”
Last year Victoria Police established a community-led African Australian Community Taskforce to tackle youth crime.
Leaders from the community have joined police on patrols at large events, including White Night Festival.
The state government funded a $17 million pilot program to support at-risk youths in regions including Wyndham.
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Ms D’Abaco said the state government was failing to protect the public from violent youth gangs.
Her husband, Frank D’Abaco, has vowed to sit at the steps of Parliament to personally tell Premier Daniel Andrews “enough is enough.”
“He needs to step and see this for what it is,” said Ms D’Abaco.
“There has to be tougher penalties for people who are caught and convicted,” Ms D’Abaco said.
“They think they can get away with whatever they want. Is it going to take these gangs to kill someone?”
“The government need to go something, people need to feel safe.”