Man charged; bottles thrown at police - West Ballina

A man has been arrested following a public order incident at West Ballina overnight.

About 11.40pm (Saturday 17 October 2020), police were called to Kalinga Street, between Brampton Avenue and Keppel Street, following reports of a large gathering.

Upon arrival, officers attached to Richmond Police District observed a large number of people blocking both sides of the road, and several fights occurring.

Police issued move on directions to the crowd, however, a group of four women began fighting, with police deploying OC spray.

At this time, a 23-year-old man became abusive towards police, allegedly punching and kicking a police vehicle, before he was arrested.

Officers were then surrounded by the group and allegedly had bottles thrown at them.

Two senior constables were hit by the bottles; however, they were not seriously injured.

Additional police resources from Tweed/ Byron Police District attended and the crowd was eventually dispersed.

The 23-year-old man was taken to Ballina Police Station where he was charged with destroy or damage property and two counts of assault officer in execution of duty.

He will appear in Ballina Local Court on Wednesday 25 November 2020.

Police are conducting further inquiries into the incident.

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