Queensland Police have charged a group of six children – aged 11 to 13 – following a shocking disturbance at a shopping centre at Helensvale yesterday afternoon.
Police say that at around 2.40pm on Thursday, officers were called to reports of a group of juveniles involved in an altercation with a man inside a shopping centre.
“It is alleged a group of six youths, aged between 11 and 13, were asked to leave a retail store due to their behaviour,” Queensland Police said in a statement.
“A 56-year-old man followed the group after observing their actions. After exiting the store, one girl from the group allegedly physically assaulted the man resulting in security officers becoming involved.
“Police arrived a short time later and it will be alleged the same girl struck a police officer to the back of the head during attempts to restrain her. The officer received minor injuries and did not require transport to hospital.”
The 56-year-old man was assessed by paramedics and transported to hospital with facial injuries.
A 13-year-old Pimpama girl has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, serious assault police and affray. She is due to appear at Southport Childrens Court on July 9th.
A 12-year-old Upper Coomera boy has been charged with affray and issued a Notice to Appear at Southport Childrens Court on July 9th.
Four girls aged between 11 and 13 have been all charged with affray. An 11-year-old girl was also charged with a further offence of assault. All were dealt with under provisions of the Youth Justice Act.
Detectives from the Gold Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit are reviewing CCTV footage to identify any further offences.
Police urge anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken with investigators to come forward.
