AS IT HAPPENED – LISTEN:
UPDATE, 1:52pm: A third teenager has been arrested following investigations into an incident at the Westfield Marion Shopping Centre yesterday afternoon.
According to SAPOL:
Following investigations today, Southern District CIB detectives arrested a third suspect, a 15-year-old boy from Morphett Vale. He is expected to appear in the Christies Beach Youth Court at the earliest opportunity.
All three were charged with assault, affray and aggravated robbery. It will be alleged the incident arose as a result of a robbery of clothing from one of the victims.
The incident is not believed to be random.
UPDATE, 8:29am: Assistant Commissioner Scott Duval has told Tom & Stacey police are searching for a third boy in relation to the incident at Westfield Marion on Sunday. He also said police believe the altercation that sent the centre into lockdown started when one group targeted clothing worn by one boy in another group.
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UPDATE, Monday 24 June: Two teenagers have been arrested after an incident at the Westfield Marion Shopping Centre yesterday afternoon. Investigations are continuing.
According to SAPOL:
Just before 3pm on Sunday 23 June, police received reports of two groups of young males fighting in the food court area of the centre. Some people in the group were reported to have weapons.
As a result of the incident, centre management activated an audible alert and evacuation alarm, and the centre went into lockdown.
Numerous police resources including STAR Group officers attended the centre to commence a search for the groups involved in the initial disturbance.
Despite a thorough search, the groups involved were not located.
Several shoppers who sought refuge in shops were safely escorted from the centre.
Following investigations, two boys, aged 15 and 16, of Mitchell Park and Adelaide, were arrested and charged with assault, affray and aggravated robbery. Police have seized two expandable batons.
The two teens will appear in the Adelaide Youth Court later today.
Investigations are continuing to locate any outstanding suspects. The incident is not believed to be random.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000.
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UPDATE, 5:44pm: SA Police Assistant Commissioner Scott Duval says vision of the altercation that sparked a lockdown at Westfield Marion does not appear to be a random attack –
WATCH HERE:
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UPDATE, 5:24pm: Police say no ongoing threat to the community.
Here’s the latest from SAPOL:
Just before 3pm on Sunday 23 June, police received reports of two groups of young males fighting in the food court area of the centre. Some people in the group were reported to have weapons.
As a result of the incident, centre management activated an audible alert and evacuation alarm, and the centre went into lockdown.
Numerous police resources including STAR Group officers attended the centre to commence a search for the groups involved in the initial disturbance.
A thorough search of the centre was conducted, including rooftops, however the groups involved were not located.
Several shoppers who sought refuge in shops were safely escorted from the centre.
Police are satisfied that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Further investigations are being carried out to identify the groups involved.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000.
EARLIER…
Westfield Marion has been forced into lockdown following reports of an armed offender.
According to SAPOL:
Police are aware of an incident occurring at Westfield Marion Shopping Centre.
Numerous police patrols are in attendance.
At this point in time, Police advise the public to stay away from the area.
A further update will be provided when known.
According to 7NEWS, STAR Group officers have stormed Westfield Marion after reports of an armed offender.
WATCH HERE:
7’s Mitchell Sariovski has told FIVEAA he saw a conscious woman with unclear injuries wheeled out of the centre on a stretcher.
Police are due to speak to media at 5:30pm.
