Youths plan ‘return’ after fracas with police at popular Perth water park
Dozens of “aggressive” teens who outnumbered police at a popular school holiday water park are reportedly planning their return.
A gang of at least 40 “unruly youths” who spat at and hurled bottles at police at a popular water park in Perth’s northern suburbs reportedly intend to return for a second bout.
Western Australia Police Force are investigating a large-scale disturbance within the Hillarys Boat Harbour complex on Monday afternoon in the middle of school holidays.
People at the park said the group stormed the inflatable slides before things turned ugly.
“There was two police officers surrounded by at least 40 (youths) and they were moving in on them as well,” witness Samantha Crawford told Nine.
One caller to 6PR said: “They were shoving the police … we ended up ringing triple-0 to try and get more police there because we were actually quite frightened for the police”.
Seven youths were arrested but were released with cautions due to their age.
Officers have increased their patrols of the area “to deter future incidents” and ensure public safety at the family-friendly location.
“It can be a frightening situation and when two officers are confronted by a group of unruly youths, it becomes quite scary,” Senior Sergeant Mark Stoneman told reporters.
“Luckily for us we had resources nearby.
“Unfortunately, the kids didn’t obey what we asked them to do and they were the aggressors and our guys really did a good job in appeasing the situation.”
Police Minister Michelle Roberts said the first question to ask was “Where are the parents?”.
“Where is the parental responsibility here?” she told reporters yesterday.
“When kids are on school holidays, you have to know where they are and what they’re doing.”
Threats of a second attack have since been posted to social media.
“Everyone hit hillarys on Wednesday, we are bombing it up for the bruthaz that got locked up spread the word,” a caption on a Snapchat video of the brawl, posted late on Monday, reads.
At least one boy was pepper-sprayed by police, according to vision broadcast by Nine News.
Sen Sgt Stoneman said they are aware of the social media post but insisted “by no means” did the responding officers “overreact”.
“There have been reports that the youths intend to return and make a nuisance of themselves going forwards so we’re aware of that,” he said.
“The key message to them is don’t come down, it’s not tolerated in the area.”
Investigators are asking anyone who many have dashcam or CCTV footage, mobile phone video and/or photos to submit the evidence here.
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