Gang ambushes 18th party

BRENDAN CRABB

TWO Kiama youths were bashed, two teenage girls sexually assaulted and parents were left asking questions after a gang raided an 18th birthday party on Friday night.

Witnesses who called the Kiama Independent on Monday said a gang of about 30 youths from Warilla had gatecrashed the party at the Scout Hall about 10pm.

Police had received several complaints between 10pm and 10.30pm.

Station Officer Sergeant David Wheatley said a number of callers had also claimed that the group had continued to walk along Terralong Street and beyond.

He said nine calls were taken in relation to brawls outside the Scout Hall, the train station and police station.

"It would appear they were all related and started by the same group of youths," Sgt Wheatley said.

Witnesses, who wanted to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, said the violence outside the Scout Hall erupted when an unnamed Kiama teenager attempted to break up a fight between two young females.

The youth had then been attacked with bottles, chairs and was repeatedly "stomped on his face" by 10 members of the Warilla group. One witness said one of the group members had also pulled out a handgun.

A second Kiama youth, aged 19, attempting to leave the scene was stabbed in the hand with a knife, severing his tendon. He also suffered several cuts to his face and body, but was in a stable condition.

"I picked him up and took him to the hospital; the cops took his name and said they would ring back the next day, but never called back," an outraged parent said.

"I can't believe there's no follow-up. Police only came to talk to him after I rang them on Sunday morning. If there was motivation they would have been checking into the train station incident; so much stuff happened I can't believe nothing was done."

No victims have come forward in relation to the railway and police station incidents.

Parents were also appalled that the incident involving the two young females who, they say, were sexually assaulted had also not been further investigated, despite being reported to police on the night.

Parents now fear similar incidents occurring at parties in the future.

"My question is, should we just wait until it's a homicide and then do something about it?" one parent said. "From talking to other young people, this is happening everywhere; the police must be aware of this."

Police are investigating the stabbing incident, but Sgt Wheatley said it would be difficult to take further action unless the perpetrators were identified.

Inspector Steve Worthington from Warilla Police said: "We're all over it (the investigation) now; the response has been great."

He said parents hosting parties should obtain a "Safe Party Kit" from Kiama Police Station.

The kit suggests guidelines on how to safely host such events, including notifying police and security measures to take.

Anyone with further information about the assaults that would assist inquiries should contact Crime

Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Warilla Police on 4295 2662.

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