A man has been assaulted by teens following a confrontation in a supermarket at Dee Why.
Around 4.30pm yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, 26 May), a dispute erupted between shoppers in the Woolworths supermarket at the Lighthouse Retail Precinct at Howard Avenue, Dee Why.
The exact nature of the dispute has not been made clear, but it appears to have involved a 57-year-old man accused of inappropriately filming a teenage girl who was in the company of other teens. A mobile phone was reportedly knocked out of the man’s hand.
As other shoppers and staff became involved, the teens appear to have left the store. Supermarket staff are understood to have expressed concern about the man’s activities filming other people within the store, but he reportedly defended his actions.
After staff called police, who spoke with them over the phone, the man and other shoppers agreed to attend Dee Why Police Station around 100m away.
As they made their way there, it is alleged several teenage males set upon the 57-year-old man, attempting to assault him as other members of the public fended them off. Nobody involved in the fracas was reported to have suffered any serious injury.
Following the man’s attendance at Dee Why Police Station, officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command were observed canvassing the area, including visiting the Woolworths supermarket, presumably to review Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage.
It is understood the teens allegedly involved are known to police. At this stage, no charges have been laid against the 57-year-old man and the matter remains under investigation.
Police have asked that anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact Dee Why Police Station on 02 9971 3399 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Images: Northern Beaches Advocate (incl file)
Hold up!
There is an updated version of this article with more up to date information.
NSW Police are seeking public assistance in relation to this matter. If you have any information that may assist them with their inquiries, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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