Victoria police have arrested six boys aged between 14 and 19 for allegedly carrying out homophobic attacks on gay men in Melbourne.
The boys would pose as adults on dating apps to lure gay men to parklands in Ashwood, a suburb around 14 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, and then assault them.Trigger Warning: This story has details of homophobic attacks on gay men and might be distressing to some readers.
For 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For Australia-wide LGBTQI peer support call QLife on 1800 184 527 or webchat.Five of the boys were arrested on Friday – two 14-year-old boys, two 15-year-old boys and a 16-year-old boy.
They were all released the same day and are to be charged with assault and robbery offences, a Victoria Police spokesperson said.