Police allege 24yo backpacker threatened, hit with ‘electric saw’ in group attack at WA beach toilet block

Police allege a 24-year-old backpacker was threatened and struck with an “electric saw” during a group attack at a public beach toilet.

Police have charged a teenager over an alleged group attack on a German backpacker at a beach toilet block in Western Australia.

Police are on the hunt for a group of young males who they say approached the 24-year-old tourist while wearing face coverings at about 10.40pm on Monday at St Georges Beach in Bluff Point, Geraldton.

It is understood up to eight males could have been involved.

A picture of the injured tourist, released by police, showed a deep cut on his forehead.

The 24-year-old was taken to hospital with a deep cut to his forehead. Picture: WA Police

Police had urged people who live in the area to review any security footage they have and check for any missing gardening tools that may have been stolen and used in the attack.

On Wednesday, a 17-year-old boy from Rangeway, Geraldton was arrested and charged with one count of aggravated armed assault with intent to rob.

“It will be alleged; the accused threatened the victim with an electric saw and demanded he hand over his personal items,” a WA Police statement said.

“The victim refused and a physical altercation ensued, during which time it will be further alleged the accused struck the victim with the electric saw.”

The backpacker was treated at Geraldton Regional Hospital.

The 17-year-old denied attacking the backpacker with a chainsaw when facing Geraldton Children’s Court on Thursday, according to the Geraldton Guardian.

The toilet block understood to be where the alleged attack happened. Picture: Google Maps

Geraldton is a coastal city about 420kms north of Perth. It is promoted as a great spot for travellers to base themselves to visit popular attractions in the region like the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake), Coalseam Conservation Park and Leaning Tree.

Police are still encouraging residents to check and share CCTV and dashcam footage from August 5, and look for missing gardening tools.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online. People reporting information can may remain anonymous if they choose.

Originally published as Police allege 24yo backpacker threatened, hit with ‘electric saw’ in group attack at WA beach toilet block