By ANEEKA SIMONIS
AN AFRICAN youth gang is believed to have carried out a terrifying, drawn-out attack on two Pakenham men right up to their doorstep over the weekend.
Police were called to the riot at Sandalwood Drive, Pakenham, after 11pm on Saturday 16 July to find about 50 “Sudanese” youths spilling out onto the street, with witness reports indicating they were jumping onto and in front of cars as they tried to pass through the chaos.
Dan, 22, and his mate, Scott, 21, from Pakenham, claimed they were brutally beaten and kicked by the gang as they attempted to pass through to their home.
The attack started at the roundabout near Sweet Pea Drive and staggered right through to one of the men’s homes on Sandalwood Drive.
Dan claimed the gang – at one stage believed to be a group of as many as 25 youths – only left once they realised he had managed to call police.
“They started kicking us and punching us from behind in the face, ribs and legs. I got dragged over to the park opposite my house. My mate had six of them kicking him in the ribs and I had about five of them continuing to punch my face,” he claimed.
Dan said they managed to get home, but were followed and the punching attack continued – with his mate Scott’s head being smashed into the brick wall at the front of their home during the repeated alleged assault.
Dan said he had been to Casey Hospital twice since the attack and was suffering four hairline fractures in the jaw, swelling and bruising. Scott sustained injuries to the ribs, with one possibly fractured.
He claimed it was a completely unprovoked attack.
“I am sore. Sore as. I haven’t eaten in the past few days because of it,” he said.
Pakenham police Senior Sergeant Graeme Stanley said police were called to the street due to noise complaints.
It was thought the youths were there for a house party.
Police estimated about 50 youths of African appearance were gathered in the street when they attended, calling for them to move on.
Witnesses reported five police divisional vans came, and the group dispersed about 11.30pm.
A resident who witnessed the intimidating street spill said youths were jumping on cars.
“They were blocking traffic and I witnessed them jump onto a taxi that had stopped outside the house. They were eventually moved on by police,” said the witness who did not want to be identified.
Another witness said she heard a young woman screaming after being punched in the face.
Sen Sgt Stanley said officers who attended the scene did not record any offences.
Dan said police attended his home in response to his call, but his attackers had already fled.
