Police arrest two dozen over Moomba riots

POLICE have arrested two dozen people over the Moomba riots and some are just 14-years-old and were dobbed in by their parents.

A police officer attempts to break up Moomba riots with pepper spray. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

TWO dozen people have been charged over the Moomba Festival riots in MelbourneÂ’s CBD.

They have been charged with affray and riotous behaviour while one man also face two counts of theft.

Gangs were blamed for the March 12 riot that began at Federation Square and continued up Swanston St, with up to 200 people wielding chairs as weapons and brawling in the street.

The Herald Sun reports some of the youths charged were aged just 14 and Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane said they were just young kids who wanted to follow the mob.

According to the publication a “Moomba Court” will also be established to deal with the children charged, who were dobbed in by ashamed parents. 

Police became aware of some involved in the riots from mobile phone footage.

Victoria Police Taskforce Ares, set up following the riots, has also identified 40 people so far from CCTV footage and says more charges are expected.

The riots erupted between two rival groups, some were part of the Apex gang.

The Herald Sun reports police will allege 17 robberies and thefts were committed by mostly youths in the Apex gang.

People involved could be jailed for five years.