Twenty-eight people charged after Australia Day celebrations

A group of 28 people, including four children, allegedly took part in two massive melees which broke out in the aftermath of Australia Day celebrations.

Police have charged 28 people, including four children, following their investigation into two separate riots in the Perth CBD following Australia Day celebrations.

About 150 people were brawling outside Perth Train Station along Wellington St at about 10.15pm on January 26 after Australia Day celebrations had wrapped up around the Swan River foreshore.

Some of the group had been causing trouble at nearby Yagan Square shortly before the melee, causing a bar to shut its doors out of fear for the safety of staff and patrons, police said.

The group of 28 people, including four children, have been charged with 40 offences between them. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brendan Beckett

Rocks and bottles were allegedly thrown at police who arrived to break up the fracas.

Later, at about 1.20am, officers were called to McIver Train Station in East Perth after reports of another large group fighting.

Again, bricks and broken pavers were allegedly hurled at attending officers, injuring at least two, who had to be treated in hospital.

Arrests were made at the time, but 40 charges weren’t laid against the group of 28 until Wednesday.

“Of the 28 people, 10 are female and 18 are male, including four juveniles,” said WA Police in a statement.

Ten are due in Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday, while the other 18 will appear at later dates.

Some of the group in the Wellington St riot were allegedly causing trouble in nearby Yagan Square, pictured, shortly before the larger melee at the nearby train station. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Philip Gostelow

“These arrests reinforce that WA Police Force will not tolerate anti-social or violent behaviour in our community and we will commit to fully investigating such matters,” said Acting Commander Peter Healy.

Inquiries are ongoing; anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or an anonymous report can be made online.

At the time, WA Police denied either of the alleged riots were linked to protests against Australia Day.

“Certainly nothing linked to protest activity,” said Acting Commissioner Brad Royce on January 27.

“It was just poor behaviour from a subset of the community who didn’t go home with the crowd.”

“Invasion Day” protests had been held in the Perth CBD earlier on January 26, but demonstrations were peaceful.

Originally published as Twenty-eight people charged after Australia Day celebrations