US sailors attacked in Perth mall
Three US sailors on a stopover in Perth on board the US navy ship USS Tarawa have been attacked and robbed in Perth’s CBD.
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5th May 2008, 7:30 WST
WA police spokesman Ian Hasleby said that the sailors, who were on shore leave, were confronted by the four youths on the upper level of the Murray Street Mall about 7.30pm.
Mr Hasleby said the youths demanded the sailors hand over money before allegedly punching and kicking the group. The youths allegedly stole a wallet and some cigarettes.
The attack left the sailors with swelling and bruising.
The incident was filmed on security cameras and with the help of the Public Transport Authority, officers from the Police Rail Unit were able to arrest two teenage boys at Cannington Train Station several hours later.
The teenagers, aged 13 and 14, were charged with two counts of aggravated robbery and one count of common assault.
Both were refused bail and are due to appear in Perth Children’s Court today. Police are still hunting for the two other youths believed to be involved.
The USS Tarawa only docked in Fremantle on Friday.
More than 3000 US marines and sailors on board the ship spent the weekend in Perth.