Two arrested after alleged attack on One Nation supporter is not believed politically motivated, Victoria police say
Police revise weapon description
Police said on Tuesday they had arrested a 37-year-old man from Hampton Park and a 14-year-old boy in connection with the alleged assault. The alleged victim, aged 60, was outside his Torquay home on Sunday night.
The initial police statement said the pair allegedly used a baseball bat. On Wednesday, police removed that detail and said a “blunt weapon” was allegedly involved.
Motive not suspected
Victoria police said detectives were not treating the incident as politically motivated. The clarification came after the assault was described as an attack on a One Nation supporter. Police said the suspects were arrested by officers who attended the scene shortly after the alleged assault.
Political response and fundraiser
Politicians across the political spectrum condemned the alleged attack. One Nation federal leader Pauline Hanson visited the alleged victim at Geelong hospital on Tuesday. One Nation also began an online fundraiser. It had raised more than $250,000 by 1pm on Wednesday.
Key points
- Victoria police say the alleged attack is not believed to have been politically motivated.
- A 60-year-old man was allegedly assaulted outside his Torquay home on Sunday night.
- Police changed their description from a baseball bat to a “blunt weapon.”
- One Nation’s fundraiser had raised more than $250,000 by 1pm Wednesday.