Two 13-year-old boys have been cautioned after allegedly robbing a liquor store at North Curl Curl.
Just before 4.00pm yesterday afternoon (Saturday, 22 August), a local resident was driving northbound on Griffin Road, North Curl Curl, when they observed a group of teenage boys approaching the BWS liquor store on the corner of Pitt Road with balaclavas and what looked like a handgun.
The eyewitness, who spoke with the Northern Beaches Advocate on condition of anonymity, said they were shocked at the sight of what appeared to be an armed robbery in progress. They immediately called Triple Zero (000) and turned around to head back to the scene.
By the time they were back, the teens were fleeing the liquor store. According to the witness, one of the teens had been grabbed by a man in his 50s near a bus stop on Griffin Road, and was set upon by three other youths.
The witness said they saw the middle-aged man was being ‘viciously’ bashed by the youths. As the witness pulled their car over to assist, the youths fled west down Pitt Road. Meanwhile, another youth had been detained at the entrance to the liquor store, and the witness said they helped to restrain the struggling male teen.
“What shocked me was the ferocity of the attack on the man who held onto the other boy, especially from boys who could have only been 12 to 13,” said the witness.
Police were notified by multiple shocked onlookers who called Triple Zero, arriving within a few minutes. A Fire and Rescue NSW truck from Narrabeen Station was passing at the time and pulled over, providing assistance until police arrived.
A NSW Ambulance was called to assess the man who had allegedly been assaulted by the teens, but he declined to be taken to hospital.
A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed two 13-year-old boys had been detained by citizens’ arrest and were taken into custody.
Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command were observed taking statements from employees of the store and witnesses before the boys were taken to Dee Why Police Station.
When the Northern Beaches Advocate visited the area an hour after the incident, the store was trading normally and no crime scene was evident.
Police confirmed this morning (Sunday, 23 August) that the two teens were dealt with under the Young Offenders Act 1997. The 13-year-old boys were both issued with a caution before being released from police custody.
Police have also confirmed the investigation into the incident is ongoing. It is believed that the identity of the other boys involved was divulged to police.
Images: Northern Beaches Advocate
YOUR SAY
Did you see the incident? If so, tell us what you observed.
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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