June 23rd 2024.
Police in Adelaide are currently on the lookout for three teenagers following a physical altercation that occurred at one of the city's busiest shopping centres. The incident caused chaos and panic among shoppers, with some being locked inside stores for their safety while others frantically tried to escape the scene. It all happened this afternoon at Westfield Marion, where the emergency response team was quickly deployed at 2:50pm.
According to initial reports, the three young men allegedly approached another group of youths in the food court and were suspected to be armed. Janet Raphael, a shopper who witnessed the chaos, described the scene as everyone running for their lives. This incident comes just two months after a stabbing attack at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney, where six people tragically lost their lives.
As soon as centre management was alerted of the situation, they immediately activated an evacuation alarm and put the centre on lockdown. Specialist police were called in to ensure the safety of shoppers, as Assistant Commissioner Scott Duval confirmed that the fight involved three offenders who were armed with expandable batons. He also mentioned that there were reports of a knife being involved, but they could not confirm it at the time.
Based on CCTV footage, Duval stated that the three boys were of Caucasian appearance and under the age of 18. They were seen approaching another group of boys and an altercation broke out. The boys then chased the other group through the centre and eventually went into David Jones. However, Duval believes that it was not a random attack as the boys seemed to know each other.
Witnesses at the scene described the terrifying moment when one of the boys opened his baton and started yelling, causing everyone in the food court to run for their lives. The chaotic situation led to Sunday afternoon shoppers fleeing and seeking refuge in shops or on the roof as alarms sounded. Armed officers were seen running through the centre as people described the scene as something out of a movie.
One shopper shared her experience, stating that it was really scary and another mentioned how everyone was screaming. Families were separated in the chaos, with some being evacuated through a fire escape at the cinema. Vicki Evangelou, a worried mother, had her daughters scattered in different shops and had to update them through the phone.
Tom Workman, another shopper, revealed that people were in a state of panic, trying to get out the door. The lockdown lasted for several hours, with officers informing those inside shops that they were on the hunt for two offenders. Another shopper recounted how they heard an emergency announcement and then suddenly the security doors went down.
During the evacuation, two shoppers were injured including a 77-year-old woman who suffered a fracture and a teenage girl. Police are currently investigating the incident and speaking to witnesses in order to verify the information they have received. Duval mentioned that they are still keen to speak to the three boys who instigated the fight.
It is worth noting that this incident took place just 10 days after a major training operation by the police at the shopping centre. They had rehearsed their response to a potential violent scenario, which turned out to be an unfortunate reality. A spokesperson from Westfield expressed their full support to the police and assured that the safety of their customers, business partners and people is their top priority.
The lockdown caused heavy traffic congestion as hundreds of cars tried to leave the centre at the same time. Westfield Marion is one of the largest shopping centres in South Australia with over 340 stores. As the police continue their investigation, the centre is set to open as usual tomorrow. Stay updated on all the latest breaking news, celebrity gossip, and sports updates by following us on our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm, and no one can see your private details.
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