Security guard at a popular nightclub attacked with a machete
Staff from a popular Melbourne venue, Dreams Gentlemen’s Club, have been left “traumatised” after several employees were set upon by a gang of youths armed with a machete.
Police & Courts
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Staff at a popular Melbourne nightclub have been left “traumatised” after several employees were set upon by a gang of youths armed with a machete.
Investigators have been told a 16-year-old boy was set upon by four males who stole his bag at the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders St about 10.40pm.
The teenager ran to a nearby nightclub, Dreams Gentlemen’s Club, where he was protected by security.
The group of thugs then got into a fight with a man and a woman who had witnessed the initial incident, before running into the nightclub to follow the victim.
One of them then allegedly attacked a security guard with a machete before they fled the scene. Police arrested the group nearby.
The initial victim did not sustain any physical injuries.
A victim from the second incident, a 33-year-old Brunswick man, sustained lacerations to his head and was transported to hospital.
The other party to that attack, a 30-year-old Richmond woman, sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for observation.
The security guard sustained minor injuries and did not require hospitalisation.
One of the youths arrested, a 15-year-old Mickleham boy, was taken to hospital under police guard with what is believed to have been an incidental, self-inflicted, laceration to his hand.
The other three arrested, a 16-year-old Mill Park boy, a 16-year-old Flemington boy and an 18-year-old Craigieburn man, are all assisting investigators with their enquiries.
Dreams Gentlemen’s Club managing director Salvatore Aparo said his staff were “traumatised” after the incident.
“We saw it unfold on CCTV so myself and other staff members rushed to the door to help the security guards who were protecting the kids – they were scared for their lives,” he said.
“Then one of the thugs came back with a machete.
“I got attacked, a number of my staff got attacked. They had a machete, I had nothing in my hand so I picked up one of the bollards to protect myself and fend them off.
“One of my security guards was cut and another was hit really hard in the head with one of the bollards. I’m just fortunate there were no severe injuries.”
Mr Aparo said he has witnessed a surge in youth crime in the city over the past year.
“It’s unfortunate that the city streets have come to this, it’s very unsafe,” he said.
“A lot more of this has happened since Covid – young people causing problems – we’re seeing a lot more attacks along Elizabeth St and in and around the CBD.
“Police presence needs to be beefed up in the city. They’re there when needed but not to help prevent crime.”
A police spokesperson said: “Investigations remain ongoing.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has footage or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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