Four teenagers, including three minors, have been charged over an alleged violent assault near Devonport Bluff which left a young boy left bloodied and injured.
*This story contains details some readers may find distressing*
In confronting footage obtained by Pulse, the teenagers were seen crowding around the 14-year-old boy, allegedly pinning him to the ground and repeatedly kicking and punching his head and body.
The boy could be seen trying to protect his face with his hands as blood began to seep from his injuries.
The alleged offenders were heard encouraging each other to “get him c–t” and to “keep going”.
The 14-year-old victim was then seen picking himself off the ground as one alleged offender shouted “don’t run boy” before ripping off the victim’s shirt and saying “I hope you die”.
The incident is understood to have started after the alleged offenders accused the 14-year-old boy of making a verbal comment about their friend.
In a statement this afternoon, Tasmania Police said a 19-year-old Devonport man, a 17-year-old boy and two 15-year-olds – a boy and a girl, have been charged with criminal code assault and stealing.
They have been bailed to appear in court at a later date.
The injured boy was taken to the North West Regional Hospital for treatment.
Pulse understands the 14-year-old boy suffered serious facial injuries, including fractured eye sockets.
Police said they were aware of “graphic” videos of the incident, some of which have circulated on social media.
“Police encourage members of the public to refrain from publishing or sharing this content and to consider the potential trauma to those involved and to the wider community,” police said.
Investigations are continuing and police want to hear from witnesses, including anyone with phone, dashcam or CCTV footage from near the Bluff Road car park late on Sunday night or early Monday.
Anyone with information can contact Western Division CIB on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania anonymously on 1800 333 000, quoting OR number 819326.
