A 15-year-old teenager has been taken into custody by police in connection with a horrifying alleged anti-Semitic assault that targeted five Jewish boys as they walked home in Melbourne earlier this week.
Police Make Arrest in Carrum Following St Kilda East Incident
Victoria Police arrested the adolescent in the suburb of Carrum on Wednesday morning. This arrest relates directly to the terrifying ordeal that unfolded on Monday night in the inner-city area of St Kilda East.
Chilling CCTV Footage Captures Narrow Escape
Closed-circuit television footage has captured the frightening moment when the group of boys, all aged between 15 and 16 years old, were forced to run for their lives. The driver of a stolen utility vehicle performed a dangerous U-turn before allegedly pursuing the teenagers along the street.
The young victims had just departed from the nearby Adass Israel School and were easily identifiable as Orthodox Jewish students due to their distinctive religious attire.
Father Reports Stalking and Violent Threats
One of the boy's fathers has come forward with disturbing claims that the group was deliberately stalked before the vehicle attack. He stated that explicit threats were made to physically injure the teenagers during the confrontation.
Further allegations suggest the suspect shouted vile Nazi slogans and anti-Semitic abuse at the children during the terrifying pursuit.
Police Investigation Links Teen to Multiple Offences
While authorities have not yet formally charged the teenager specifically over the anti-Semitic attack, police investigators have connected him to a series of separate theft and burglary offences across Melbourne.
The arrested youth received police bail on Thursday and is scheduled to appear before Melbourne's Children's Court at a future date to answer to the allegations.
Community Leader Demands Strong Response
Dr Dvir Abramovich, chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, issued a strong statement regarding the incident. He emphasized that anyone who attempts to threaten or harm the Jewish community must face serious consequences.
"Anybody who tries to kill or murder or threaten the Jewish community will end behind bars," Dr Abramovich declared. "That's what we want to hear. And when you have stories of people who are out on bail for whatever reason, it makes the community feel less safe."
Second Suspect Remains at Large
Detectives continue their investigation and are actively searching for a second teenage suspect believed to have been involved in the disturbing incident. Police have urged anyone with additional information to come forward as they work to build a comprehensive case.
The alleged attack has sent shockwaves through Melbourne's Jewish community, raising serious concerns about safety and religious tolerance in the city's suburbs.
