Qld: Stabbings rife on eve of a new year

AAP General News (Australia)
12-31-2008
Qld: Stabbings rife on eve of a new year

By David Barbeler

BRISBANE, Dec 31 AAP - Queensland Police have warned troublemakers that extra officers
will be on the beat for New Year's Eve after a recent spate of knife attacks.

Two boys were stabbed when two groups clashed on the Victoria Bridge in central Brisbane
on Tuesday night.

Police said the two groups, which were not believed to know to each other, were crossing
the bridge at about 10pm (AEST) when a verbal altercation, then a melee took place.

A 14-year-old and a 17-year-old from one group were taken to Royal Brisbane Hospital
for treatment of various stab wounds.

That incident followed a stabbing on the intersection of Brunswick and Ann streets
around 5am (AEST) on Sunday.

After that stabbing, one of two victims walked from the area and approached two taxis
before collapsing.

Both underwent surgery and have been released from hospital.

Acting Police Commissioner Ian Stewart warned troublemakers there would be three times
as many police officers on duty across the state for New Year's Eve celebrations.

"The whole point is, it's knives today, what is it tomorrow?" Mr Stewart said.

"We're always concerned when people without any lawful or reasonable excuse would be
walking around with cutting instruments, knives and the like.

"It is a very worrying trend and it's something that we're looking at."

Mr Stewart encouraged people to simply walk away and put their egos in their pockets.

"And if they are concerned that they continue to be bothered by another group, walk
up to police, there will be many, many police out tonight."

Premier Anna Bligh said she was concerned about the number of knife attacks in both
Brisbane and on the Gold Coast in recent weeks.

"Knives are regarded as a weapon under the weapons act and carriage of a knife in public
is illegal," Ms Bligh said.

"And people who are carrying knives can expect to feel the full force of the law.

"If you see people doing the wrong thing, make sure that you stay away and you talk
to the police as quickly as possible."

AAP djb/ahe/cdh

KEYWORD: EVE QLD POLICE

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