Police have now arrested and charged six teenagers in relation to the bashing of a 13-year-old boy in Ellenbrook last weekend that was filmed and shared online.
They are accused of being among a group of youths who savagely attacked the boy at Coolamon Oval between 5.30am and 6.30am on Sunday morning.
The attack, which left the young boy at the centre of it with a concussion, black eye, and bruising to his body, was filmed by “a number of offenders” and uploaded to social media, Perth Children’s Court heard on Friday.
Police had begun investigating the attack when they were first made aware of the video, which had been widely disseminated online earlier this week.
It made for confronting viewing, with the group hurling abuse at the young boy as he was attacked on the ground and made to take his clothes off.
On Friday a 14-year-old boy appeared in court after he was charged with one count of with intent to harm, did an act causing bodily harm, and one count of aggravated armed robbery.
On Saturday, a WA Police spokesperson said they had arrested five more youths – a 13-year-old girl, two 14-year-old girls, a 16-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy – who were then charged with the same offences.
None of them can be named for legal reasons. They are due to appear in Perth Children’s Court on Saturday.
On Friday, the court heard the 13-year-old alleged victim was punched without warning as he tried to walk away from the group, before they set upon him in an assault that lasted between five to 10 minutes.
Two youths in the group were carrying knives, the court was told.
The court heard the fight had followed a previous altercation involving the 13-year-old and of the youths in the group at the park.
The 14-year-old boy charged over the attack allegedly kicked the victim “square in the face” before kicking and stomping on him with other co-offenders while the boy lay on the ground.
The boy’s black StreetX jumper and T-shirt were stolen in the attack, the court was told.
He applied for bail on Friday, however it was refused, with the magistrate noting it was an “extremely serious” assault.
The magistrate also was not satisfied with the safety of the victim, the court was told.
The 14-year-old boy was remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance for legal advice on November 27.
While announcing the boy’s charges on Friday, a WA Police spokesperson said the investigation remained ongoing and detectives had identified “a number of persons of interest”.
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,” 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.
One of the most concerning moments in the video came when one of the attackers was seen brandishing 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 alleged attackers.
“We will make sure that the law is enforced because this is unacceptable,” he said.
With 9 News Perth.
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