Teenage boy assaulted on his way into Midsumma Carnival
Image: (Image credit: Ann-Marie Calilhanna; Star Observer)
A 15-year-old boy was violently attacked as he walked into Alexandra Gardens for Midsumma Carnival on Sunday.
As the teenager聽and his friend crossed Princes Bridge in Melbourne CBD and began walking down the path to the gardens, a man who was walking in the opposite direction allegedly assaulted him.
Sergeant Kris Hamilton from Victoria Police said both parties were known to each other before the incident.
鈥淭he victim had met the offender in the past, and it鈥檚 believed that some unresolved grievances may have instigated the attack,鈥� he told the Star Observer.
鈥淭he offender was leaving the gardens, but as they crossed paths, he turned around and assaulted the victim from behind.鈥�
The teenager聽had arrived at Midsumma Carnival at 1.30pm but had left to get lunch on Swanston St with his friend before returning at around 4.30pm in the afternoon.
It was as he re-entered the gardens that the assault allegedly took place.
One woman intervened during the attack by grabbing the offender, allowing the teenager聽to break free. However, the offender escaped.
The聽teenager聽was injured and sent to the Royal Children鈥檚 Hospital that night where he sought medical treatment.
Hamilton said investigators are appealing to the public for any information around the incident.
鈥淭here were a couple of witnesses there, including the woman who intervened and grabbed the offender,鈥� he said.
鈥淲e鈥檙e trying to get in contact with anybody who saw it happen.鈥�
Midsumma Chair John Caldwell said that Midsumma has provided information to the police to assist them with their investigation.
“We would urge anyone attending our events to remember that Midsumma is a time for celebration of the diversity in our community, and that we treat ourselves and each other with respect,” he said.
Aside from the assault, police members present at Midsumma Carnival had a busy shift dealing with lost children, lost dogs, and a couple of intoxicated patrons.
However, Hamilton said the crowd overall was well behaved.
鈥淐onsidering the crowd was over 100,000 people and we didn鈥檛 have any other serious incidents, the crowd was quite good,鈥� he said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to
