Police hunt for gang of 20 ‘cowardly’ thugs who beat a trans woman unconscious on a beach
The trans woman was attacked outside Dee Why Surf Club (Image: Google Maps)
Australian police are hunting for a mob of 15-20 “cowardly” young men who brutally beat a trans woman unconscious by a beach.
The men, who are believed to be in their late teens, attacked the woman on Friday 20 March on the Northern Beaches, an area in the suburbs of Sydney.
The Manly Daily reports that the 31-year-old woman, who had been living in her vehicle at the time, was parked in the Dee Why surf lifesaving club carpark.
Three men approached her just after 8.30pm and verbally abused her. After this she was set upon by the whole group of men who vastly outnumbered her, punching and kicking her to the ground in the targeted attack.
Having struck the woman repeatedly until she was unconscious, then fled the scene, leaving her with numerous cuts, bruises and a concussion.
Police are now asking to speak with all of the youths involved in what they described as a “cowardly attack”.
With no one coming forward, Northern Beaches Police crime manager Michael Boutouridis is also calling for the public to share any information leading to the identity of the attackers.
“Police are keen to speak with any person who witnessed the incident, or were involved in the incident,” he said.
“Anyone who can help us identify those involved is asked to call the Dee Why station on 9971 3399 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
According to a Dee Why resident commenting on the Northern Beaches Police Facebook page, a group of youths regularly congregates in James Meehan Reserve, the area behind the surf club.
They are said to regularly engage in anti-social behaviour and distress the local residents.
“Numerous people have complained about harassment and threats,” the local said. “One person has been followed and even had their car tampered with.”
Investigations into the assault are continuing. Police have been helping the trans woman to find alternative accommodation after the attack.
