Updated ,first published
A 14-year-old boy has been arrested over a horrific group attack in Ellenbrook that was filmed and shared over social media, as the community rallies around the young boy who was savagely bashed and threatened with a knife.
Confronting footage of the assault, which is understood to have occurred at Coolamon Oval early on Sunday morning, has spread across social media, prompting a warning from police against online users identifying the boys involved – and their families – in the comments section.
Midland District Detective Inspector Gary Butler told Radio 6PR police were investigating the attack and were working with the victim’s family on an official complaint.
“A number of the people involved, their parents have come forward,” he said.
On Thursday afternoon, a WA Police spokesperson revealed a 14-year-old boy had been arrested and was assisting police with their inquiries.
“Detectives are continuing to investigate the involvement of further parties,” they said.
It is understood the incident started ostensibly as a robbery, with the attackers allegedly demanding the boy’s vape, before then telling him to hand over clothes.
Butler said the 13-year-old boy at the centre of the assault was lucky to not have any more severe injuries, and was “holding up well at the minute, and we’re providing all the support we can give to him”.
“Hopefully by this afternoon, we can provide the community some reassuring outcomes as to how we’ve progressed this investigation and put some calm back into the community,” he said.
In a statement, WA Police said the 13-year-old was allegedly assaulted by several juveniles believed to be known to him at the reserve on Coolamon Boulevard.
“It is further alleged a knife was produced, threats were made and property was stolen from the victim,” the statement read.
“The victim received minor injuries and later attended St John of God Midland Public Hospital for medical treatment.”
WA Police said officers became aware of vision of the incident circulating online and commenced inquiries.
“Police understand the incident has caused considerable concern within the community and ask
members of the public to remain calm and allow detectives to conduct their investigation,” WA police said in a statement.
“Members of the community are strongly urged not to take matters into their own hands, threaten
retaliation or publish the names, photographs or personal information of people believed to be involved.”
There has been an outpouring of support for the young boy at the centre of the attack, with offers to help the family and plans for a fundraising car cruise.
Tania Lawrence, the federal MP for Hasluck, said she was “absolutely heartbroken” to see the vision of the boy being assaulted.
“I can’t begin to imagine what he and his family have been through,” she posted to social media.
“No person should ever experience something so horrific, and no family should have to endure such heartbreak.
“What happened to this young man is shocking and traumatising, but the kindness and compassion we’ve seen from people across our community is a reminder of just how much we care for one another.”
One of the most concerning moments in the video came when one of the attackers brandished a large knife as the boy continued to be bashed on the ground.
On Wednesday, Police Minister Reece Whitby said the presence of the knife meant “one wrong move could have had tragic consequences that might have ended a life and might have resulted in a very serious outcome for those young people involved”.
Whitby vowed “serious consequences” for the attackers.
“We will make sure that the law is enforced because this is unacceptable,” he said.
The video’s proliferation on social media also spurred debate about Labor’s “post and boast” legislation, which has stalled in the upper house.
Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas accused the government of “sitting on their hands” for not bringing the legislation forward, however Whitby laid blame at the feet of the opposition and Greens for the delay.
The Greens have previously raised concerns about the legislation’s stifling effect on protests.
Speaking to 6PR, Butler urged social media users to refrain from naming the alleged perpetrators or their families in the comments section.
“It’s certainly something that we don’t condone, and for a number of reasons,” he said.
“Can people be 100 per cent sure who they’re naming? And, you know, we don’t want innocent people to be caught up in this.
“It’s very easy to sit on your phone and type things, but we really need to think of A, the community, and B, the family and then their extended family, because violence isn’t the answer.”
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