Police warn louts on Oxford St after officer assaulted
Local police have blasted hoodlums who continue to travel to Oxford Street and surrounding areas and get involved in drunken violence, following an early morning assault over the weekend on a police officer that left him with injuries to the head and jaw.
Surry Hills police have told SX that the continuing misbehaviour of a minority of people who visit the popular night-time strip remains of “serious concern”.
The officer was responding to reports of a brawl at an Oxford Street hotel just before 2am on Sunday, February 5, when he was confronted by a group of four young men, one of whom allegedly decided to deliberately charge at the officer.
While attempting to apprehend the man, the man’s three friends grabbed the officer and put him in a headlock before they then punched the officer to the head a number of times.
All four men were eventually subdued and arrested when other police intervened.
Shayne Woolbank, crime manager for Surry Hills Local Area Command, told SX that police were becoming tired dealing with violent drunks considering the hard work the local community and businesses had put in recent years to make the area more safe.
“It is of serious concern that people think they can come to Surry Hills, get intoxicated and believe they can punch on in the middle of the Oxford Street. Even more concerning is the fact that in this instance these persons decided to assault police.
“Surry Hills Police have a zero tolerance to this type of behaviour. We have worked hard with the community and local businesses to make Surry Hills safe,” Woolbank said.
“If you act like this you will be targeted, arrested and we will pursue the matter through the Courts as far a practically possible and we make no apologies for that.”
The senior constable who was assaulted did not require medical treatment despite suffering from soreness to his head and jaw.
The men involved in the assault – aged 18, 21, 23 and 24 – have been charged with assaulting police, resisting arrest and affray.
One of the men had only just been ejected from a nearby club for being intoxicated and the other three were also under the influence of alcohol.
All four were granted bail and will appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday, February 28.
- Tags: Assault, Bashing, Crime, NSW Police, Oxford Street, Surry Hills, SX, Sydney
Comments (2)
its a bit rough to blame violence one inclusion. Not sure what you mean? And to the cops, welcome to our world.
This is what happens when you become mainstream and inclusive. Oxford street died years ago. So why in hell is the Mardi Gras still wanting to parade there.
It has become a new King's cross and it is not safe for anyone there any more. I stopped going out to Oxford street a long time ago.
The Sydney City council, and stated Government have a lot to answer in the demise of Oxford Street. They encouraged it with all these liquor licences and trading hours.
And this issue is only going to get worse. So everyone must be alert and aware of any trouble or violence towards any of the gay community, especially on Mardi Gras night, when this event will certainly bring them into Oxford street for trouble