A Pakenham Police member searches for evidence following a fight between two groups of youths near the Pakenham Library on Friday afternoon.
By Melissa Grant
POLICE have warned youths against engaging in violent feuding after a teenager was assaulted with a hockey stick in Pakenham on Friday.
Beer bottles were thrown during the altercation, after which a 19-year-old Pakenham man was treated at the Casey Hospital for a gash to the head.
A car belonging to a bystander was damaged during the fight, which occurred about 2pm on Friday, near the Pakenham Library car park in John Street.
Witnesses described the scene as shocking.
“There was blood everywhere,” the witness, who declined to be named, said.
Police believe Friday’s incidentwas part of an ongoing feud between two groups of young people living in the area.
Leading Senior Constable Ben Boul-ton said police wouldn’t tolerate war-fare between youths on Pakenham’s streets.
“Any feuds between youths will be fully investigated by the police and we won’t stand for youths having gang wars in our police service area,” he said.
Senior Constable Robert Cunningham said police would stamp out violent behaviour.
“Any offences that are detected we will prosecute those involved to the full extent of the law,” he said.
Sen Const Cunningham said penalties for engaging in violence depended on circumstances, but urged youths to think twice before putting themselves at risk of walking away with a criminal record.
Police believe a number of people would have witnessed Friday’s altercation and are urging those who haven’t already contacted them to come foward.
Anyone with information about the incident can call Leading Sen Const Boulton at Pakenham Police on 5945 2500.
Police have charged a 22-year-old man with affray and assault matters and will appear at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
