Gang attacks youth on rail trail

WANTED: Police wish to speak to this male and others regarding a Bellarine Rail Trail robbery.

By Luke Voogt

Police are hunting a group of youths who allegedly assaulted and robbed a 14-year-old boy on the Bellarine Rail Trail at Newcomb.
The boy was walking home from school along Lancaster Ave when the gang of males of African appearance allegedly struck on 15 February, Leading Senior Constable Brad Johnson said.
“He’s seen a group of six to seven kids that were African in appearance and he’s walked in the opposite direction.
“They’ve approached him and given him a bit of clip around the ear and taken his phone and backpack.”
Some of the youths were “quite tall”, Ld Snr Const Johnson said.
“They demanded his property. It would have been quite intimidating.
“He was assaulted but had no visible injury. I imagine he would’ve been shaken up.”
Police posted images of the alleged suspects.
“We’ve received some information they may be from out of town but that they know someone in Geelong,” Ld Sen Const Johnson said.
He believed that the group boarded a bus in Moorabool St after the incident.
Police urged anyone with information about the incident to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, quoting reference number 180059268.