WA: Racial brawl amongst youths in carpark

AAP General News (Australia)
08-08-1999
WA: Racial brawl amongst youths in carpark

PERTH, Aug 8 AAP - A near riot outside a Macedonian Club in a Perth suburb last night left
one person injured and three others facing charges.

The huge brawl, in which tyre levers and bottles were used, erupted outside the club in the
Perth suburb of Westminster.

Aboriginal, Asian and European youths were involved sparking concern about growing racial
tensions in the area.

Three separate fights broke out in the carpark of the hall after an underage disco finished
shortly after midnight.

One person was taken to hospital to receive medical treatment and a number of other
youths are believed to have suffered minor injuries such as bruising and lacerations.

As a result of the brawl, police have already charged one man with causing grievous bodily
harm and may charge two others.

Police spokesperson Brian Cunningham said investigations were still continuing, however at
least two other people involved in the fracas could expect to face charges.

Although police are reluctant to blame racial unrest on the brawl, they do acknowledge
tension does exist between the groups.

But Act superintendent Cunningham said police would not tolerate this type of behaviour in
the community.

"It wasn't a riot, but there were a number of youths involved but it was solved very
quickly," Act Superintendent Cunningham said.

"As I have said from the onset, this behaviour is totally unacceptable and we will put
what resources we have in place to make sure it ceases and bring people like these to
justice."

He said the disco's organisers could not be blamed because they always ensured security was
paramount at such events.

AAP ajm/arb/de

KEYWORD: CARPARK

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