Updated 2pm, Thursday July 17: Two boys have been charged following an alleged assault and robbery that left a 14-year-old hospitalised with facial injuries in Hobart’s CBD.
Police laid charges against a 14-year-old and a 12-year-old over the incident that occurred at Mather’s Lane on Wednesday afternoon.
The 14-year-old boy is facing charges of aggravated robbery, stealing, destroy property, unlawfully tamper or interfere with a motor vehicle, and bail offences. He has been detained to appear in court.
The 12-year-old has been charged with aggravated robbery, common assault, stealing and unlawfully tamper or interfere with a motor vehicle. He has been bailed to appear in the Hobart Youth Justice Division in August.
Police allege the victim was assaulted around 2:05pm and had his iPhone stolen during the altercation.
CCTV footage revealed the aftermath as a group of up to eight youths fled down Criterion Street immediately after the assault, with one boy hiding the stolen iPhone under a car wheel before another retrieved it and smashed it on the ground.
The victim was transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment following the attack.
“We urge anyone with information to contact Tasmania Police or provide details anonymously through Crime Stoppers,” a police spokesperson said.
Earlier: Two 14-year-old boys have been arrested following an alleged assault and robbery in Hobart’s CBD that left another teenager hospitalised with facial injuries.
The incident occurred around 2:05pm on Wednesday at Mather’s Lane, where a 14-year-old boy was allegedly assaulted and had his iPhone stolen.
Tasmania Police confirmed the victim was transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment following the attack.
One alleged offender was arrested Wednesday evening and will be processed under the Youth Justice Act, while the second youth remains in custody assisting police with their investigation.
Authorities believe a group of up to eight youths was involved in the incident, with witnesses reporting they fled the scene via Criterion Lane immediately after the alleged assault.
Police have launched a public appeal for information, asking anyone who may have witnessed the assault or events leading up to it to come forward.
“We urge anyone with information to contact Tasmania Police or provide details anonymously through Crime Stoppers,” a police spokesperson said.
