The new owners of Manly Wharf have reassured the community of their commitment to safety following a violent brawl involving around 30 youths that erupted on The Esplanade last week.
Artemus Group highlighted the security measures already in place, including 24/7 precinct-wide security and state-of-the-art CCTV. It announced plans to relocate public bathrooms from the basement to the ground floor to improve visibility and safety.
The fight, which took place near Manly Wharf, saw a teenage boy attacked by a group of young people who punched and kicked him. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as bystanders attempted to intervene and were also assaulted. Police were called to the scene around 9:00 p.m. and found a knife on the ground, but most of the youths had already fled.
Arrests and Charges
Following an investigation, police arrested an 18-year-old man at Bonnyrigg and a 15-year-old boy at Manly Police Station. Both have been charged with riot and affray. The 15-year-old is also facing two counts of common assault. The 18-year-old will appear in Manly Local Court later this month, while the 15-year-old will face a children’s court in early February.
Community Response
The incident has sparked concern among Manly residents, with many taking to social media to express their shock and call for greater safety measures. Two witnesses, Simon and Renee, described seeing the boy being attacked and said he was “screaming for his life.” They intervened and helped the boy find safety in a nearby restaurant but were themselves assaulted in the process. Simon urged parents to talk to their children about the dangers of violence and stressed that such incidents can happen anywhere, even in Manly.
Manly Wharf Taking Action
Artemus Group acknowledged the community’s concern and emphasised its dedication to providing a safe and family-friendly environment. It cooperated fully with the police investigation and is committed to working with local authorities to prevent future incidents.
Published Date 13-Jan-2025
Photo Credit: Pexels
