Parkville Youth Justice Centre officer attacked by teenage inmates

A vicious attack on a officer by seven teen inmates trying to steal keys has been described as one of the worst assaults in recent times.

An officer has been bashed by up to seven teenage inmates at the Parkville Youth Justice Centre.

An officer has been bashed by up to seven teenage inmates at the Parkville Youth Justice Centre.

Police were called to investigate Tuesday evening’s violence, which sources say left the 34-year-old worker unconscious.

Colleagues say those involved were trying to get a set of keys from the victim so they could get into another unit to attack detainees from that section.

The ambush was described as one of the worst assaults of recent times and only ended when a manager intervened and dispersed the group.

The Herald Sun has been told the attack was led by two detainees who were responsible for a bashing of a manager at the Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre in central Victoria last year.

WorkSafe is investigating the matter.

A Department of Justice and Community Safety spokeswoman confirmed there was an incident which was quickly contained by staff

She said the staff member was taken to hospital for assessment.

“The department takes the safety and security of all staff and young people seriously – violent behaviour at youth justice centres is not tolerated,” the spokeswoman said.

Victoria Police confirmed it was investigating an assault at the Park St facility.

“Investigators have been told a 34-year-old man was assaulted by a number of youths about 4.55pm,” a spokeswoman said.

“He was taken to hospital for treatment and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.”

Opposition spokesman for youth justice Brad Battin said the government needed to ensure staff safety and urgently build a more effective justice system.

“It is vital the staff in our youth justice centres in Victoria have a safe place to work,” he said.

“There have been too many serious assaults to ignore.

“It is time to reform youth justice to protect staff and offer genuine rehabilitation options for young offenders.

“The focus must be on ensuring young people have real opportunities and access to education or further training.

“The Liberals and Nationals are committed to working on reforms to rebuild youth justice with a focus on improving community and staff safety.”

It comes as emergency services attended Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre, 100km northwest of Melbourne, on Wednesday evening after a fire broke out in a kitchen at the facility.

Firefighters were called to the facility’s Topaz unit about 7.05pm and brought the fire under control in half an hour.

Two staff members were treated for smoke inhalation after attempting to douse the flames, a Country Fire Authority spokesman said.

A Department of Justice and Community Safety spokeswoman said staff responded immediately to the incident.

“No staff or young people were injured,” he said.

“The CFA attended and have deemed the site safe.”