Shocked by youth attack

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
RESIDENTS are disgusted and appalled by the behaviour of up to 25 youths who callously attacked two Launching Place men.
The men were seriously outnumbered when they were set upon at an Alpine Boulevard property belonging to one of the men, on Friday 19 August.
Yarra Junction Police had been told about an earlier incident involving a car doing a burn-out on the street, but it was several hours later – about 10.30pm – when an alcohol-related discussion got out of control.
One resident, who does not want to be named from fear of retaliation, said they could hear fighting, and bottles and cans being thrown.
“Their swearing and shouting could be heard down the street,” she said.
“It was very frightening; I had the shakes that night.”
Outnumbered by about 13 to one, the men sustained broken ribs and bruising after being punched to the ground and kicked repeatedly.
“This is the worst display of violence and disrespect for people and property that we’ve ever seen here,” the resident told the Mail.
“Parents of these children, and they are still children, should also be ashamed of their behaviour.
“Any parent who deliberately chooses to ignore their child’s bad behaviour and let it go unpunished should hang their heads in shame.”
Senior Constable Ian Harris said not all of the young people, aged between 14 and 20, were involved in the altercation.
“We turned up to find a dozen or so loud-mouthed kids arguing with two mid-40-year-old males,” he said.
“The kids were all over the street and the males were still on their property.”
Sen Const Harris said some of the young people had been punched but had no visible injuries.
“The men were well and truly worse for wear, with bumps and bruises, cuts and sores.”
Both sides had been drinking at the time.
Police are continuing their investigations into the incident and would like to hear from any witnesses, who can contact Sen Const Harris at Yarra Junction Police Station on 5967 1104.