A public swimming pool in Melbourne has been evacuated after a brawl involving Afghan teenagers, just two weeks after youths of the same background allegedly brutally bashed a lifeguard.
The Casey RACE aquatic centre in Cranbourne East was briefly shut down on Sunday following the fight between about 10 people, some of which was caught on camera by shocked bystanders.
Victoria Police said the teenagers involved had fled by the time they arrived, and they were unable to determine if it was the same group involved in the alleged attack on the lifeguard at nearby Casey Aquatic and Recreation Centre on January 19.
Afghan teen violence has erupted at another Melbourne swimming pool, just two weeks after 19 youths of the same ethnic background allegedly bashed a young lifeguard.
Sunday's fight took place at Casey RACE, which was then evacuated. pic.twitter.com/DO7ACfvRin
— The Noticer (@NoticerNews) February 3, 2025
A photo posted to a local Facebook group on Sunday showed crowds waiting outside the pool after being evacuated.
“Once AGAIN a bunch of cowardly Middle Eastern youths have bashed innocent people including young women,” the caption read.
“It started after they were asked to stop doing bombs next to small children. Cronulla 2 is coming. We have had enough.”
Multiple other witnesses said that the teenagers involved were Afghans.
In the earlier incident a 19-year-old lifeguard at Casey ARC in Narre Warren was allegedly attacked while on duty, leaving him requiring hospital treatment for upper body injuries.
The large group of male youths allegedly set upon the lifeguard after he told one of them to stop doing flips into the pool dangerous close to other swimmers, including children.
He was then allegedly headbutted, kicked and punched, leaving his lifeguard uniform splattered with blood. The group of at least nine then allegedly fled the scene. No arrests have been made.
Locals said the attackers were teenagers of Afghani background who were known for making trouble in the area, and the incident sparked calls for mass deportations online.
Police later released images of people they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries into the January 19 incident.
