Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged two boys following an alleged assault of an off-duty police officer in Southbank on Friday night.
In a statement, Victoria Police said the 32-year-old off-duty officer was walking south along Whiteman Street after finishing his shift, when three unknown boys approached him and became verbally abusive at around 11pm.
“It is alleged the trio then physically assaulted the victim by punching and kicking,” Police said.
“The victim called Triple Zero (000) and was located by patrolling police a short time later, all three offenders had already fled the area.”
The officer was treated by ambulance paramedics on scene.
The following day, officers from Melbourne CIU along with North West Metro Regional Crime Squad and VIPER Taskforce members executed three search warrants in the Merri-bek and Hume areas.
A 14-year-old from the Merri-bek area was arrested and interviewed. He was charged with intentionally cause injury, recklessly cause injury, common law assault, assault in company, possess prohibited weapon without excuse and possess drug of dependence. He has been bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date.
On Sunday, officers arrested a 15-year-old boy from the Hume area. He has been charged with intentionally cause injury, reckless cause injury, common law assault and assault in company. The boy appeared before the weekend online remand court where he was remanded in custody.
The investigation remains ongoing in relation to the third person involved.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, with footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
