UPDATE @ 1.30pm July 17: Youths arrested after alleged assault in Hobart CBD
Police have laid charges against two boys over the alleged assault of a teenage boy in Hobart's CBD on Wednesday.
A 14-year-old boy has been charged with aggravated robbery, stealing, destroy property, unlawfully tamper or interfere with a motor vehicle, and bail offences. He has been held for court.
A 12-year-old boy has been charged with aggravated robbery, common assault, stealing and unlawfully tamper or interfere with a motor vehicle. He has been bailed to appear in the Hobart Youth Justice Division in August.
The charges stem from an altercation at the grassed area of Mather's Lane, in Hobart's central business district, about 2.05pm in which police allege a 14-year-old boy was assaulted and had his iPhone stolen.
Police have appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident, or the events leading up to it, to come forward.
A group of up to eight youths was seen leaving the area via Criterion Lane immediately following the alleged assault.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au (quote Offence Report 780149).
