Canberra school hires security after violent Oztag clash
Teenagers attacked an Oztag match in Calwell, injuring people and prompting a nearby school to lock its gates.
Violence erupted at a weekly Oztag competition in Calwell on Thursday evening when a group of teenagers, some known to police, attacked parents and players on the field. Witnesses reported seeing people punched, kicked and stomped while children watched.
The brawl lasted about half an hour before police arrived. ACT Police said there was no ongoing incident when they got there, but investigations continue.
The violence has shaken the broader community. Caroline Chisholm School in nearby Tuggeranong, where many of the Oztag players study, hired a security guard and locked its gates in response.
Families in the area have told their teenage children to avoid shopping centres and public transport alone.
Why it mattersWhen communities feel unsafe and schools need armed guards, something has broken down in neighbourhood safety.
AustraliaCanberra youth violence is pushing families to restrict their children's movements and schools to install security measures.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 h ago
