The Ellenbrook community cruise brought more than 100 cars and 25 motorbikes onto the streets of Perth’s north-east on Friday evening, in a show of support for a 13-year-old boy who was allegedly assaulted by a group of teenagers last weekend. Organised in just 12 hours by a local resident, the motorcade drew supercars, family SUVs and motorbikes, according to ABC News.

Six teenagers have now been charged, and police are urging the community to stay calm and leave the matter to the courts. Here is what is known, how Ellenbrook came together, what police and ministers have said, and where families can find support.

How the Ellenbrook community cruise came together

The motorcade began with a gathering at Coolamon Park late on Friday, followed by a drive to a nearby retail outlet. It was organised by local resident Terry Mason, who said he heard about the attack and felt it hit close to home, because a family member of his had also been harassed in the area. He said he is part of the local car community and knows how quickly people there can pull something together, and he was proud of how fast residents rallied behind the boy and his family.

Local MP Tania Lawrence said the cruise was a slightly unique way for the community to show it cares. She said she wanted those affected to know that the community has their back, and that it would not allow its suburb to be anything but loving and supportive.

What is known about the alleged attack

The incident was filmed and shared on social media. The Perth Children’s Court heard that the boy met with a group of six to eight teenagers in Ellenbrook last Sunday, and was allegedly assaulted over two separate occasions, including an incident in which he was threatened with a knife. He was able to walk home and later went to Midland Hospital, where he was treated for concussion, lumps on his head, black eyes and bruising.

The details are from court and police accounts reported by the ABC, and the allegations have not been tested in court. In line with the rules around children and the courts, this article does not name anyone involved.

What police and the courts have said

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with aggravated armed robbery and causing bodily harm. He was refused bail in the Perth Children’s Court on Friday, where the magistrate described the alleged offending as extremely serious and said the state had a very strong case, and he is due back in court in late November. On Saturday, police said five more teenagers aged between 13 and 17 had also been charged with the same offences, and that investigations are continuing.

Detective Inspector Gary Butler told 6PR that the incident began as a disagreement that escalated out of control, and that the boy’s family would have been concerned about the repercussions of making a complaint. He said police have provided significant support to the boy and his family.

Police urge calm, not retaliation

Police acknowledged the considerable concern the incident has caused, but issued a clear warning. They strongly urged members of the community not to take matters into their own hands, not to threaten retaliation and not to publish the names, photographs or personal information of anyone believed to be involved. Doing so could compromise the investigation and put people at risk.

The government response

Education Minister Sabine Winton said her thoughts were with the boy and his family, and that she had asked the Department of Education to do everything it could to support him, his family and his schoolmates. Police Minister Reece Whitby said he was disgusted and angry, particularly about the knife. The ABC noted that proposed laws aimed at criminalising the sharing of videos of violent incidents on social media are before State Parliament, after a committee recommended changes.

How families and the community can help

• Talk with young people: Ask about their experiences online and at school, and make sure they know they can ask for help if they see or experience violence.
• Do not share the footage: If you see the video, report it to the platform and to the eSafety Commissioner rather than passing it on.
• Leave it to police: Do not confront or identify anyone believed to be involved.
• Report information: Contact WA Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
• Get support: Young people can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, and anyone can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

What happens next

The 14-year-old will return to court in late November, and police say further inquiries are under way. The community cruise has given Ellenbrook a peaceful way to show support while that process runs its course. For more local stories, see our community news.

Frequently asked questions

What was the Ellenbrook community cruise?

It was a motorcade of more than 100 cars and 25 motorbikes held on Friday evening to show support for a 13-year-old boy who was allegedly assaulted, organised by a local resident in about 12 hours.

Has anyone been charged?

Yes. Six teenagers aged 13 to 17 have been charged with aggravated armed robbery and causing bodily harm, according to police. The allegations have not been proven in court.

How is the boy?

He was treated at Midland Hospital for concussion and bruising, and police and the Education Department say they are supporting him and his family.

Can I share the video of the incident?

Police and the eSafety Commissioner urge people not to share harmful footage. If you see it online, report it to the platform instead.

Image: Outrune / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 (cropped and resized)