Teen arrested and released after hundreds of youths cause chaos at Mordialloc Beach and supermarket

A 15-year-old boy was arrested and later released pending further investigation after riot police were deployed to Mordialloc Beach in Melbourne’s south-east following violent disturbances involving hundreds of youths on Wednesday afternoon. According to reports by 9News, the teenager was interviewed by police before being released, and three other individuals were also spoken to at the scene.

What happened at Mordialloc Beach?

The Mordialloc Beach incident began around 3pm, when a large group of teenagers gathered at Mordialloc Beach before moving towards a nearby Woolworths supermarket. The group allegedly stormed the store, knocking over shelves, throwing products, shoplifting, and verbally abusing staff and customers, forcing the supermarket into lockdown. Police were initially called to the Woolworths following reports of a brawl shortly after 3pm, which was reported by multiple outlets.

Also Read: Mordialloc beach: Riot police swarm area after youths storm supermarket, throw items at officers – watch video


Footage from the scene captured chaotic moments as dozens of teenagers flooded the supermarket, overwhelming staff and shoppers.

Riot police deployed as crowd turns on officers

As the situation escalated, more than 20 police officers in riot gear, supported by around 20 police vehicles, were dispatched to the beach, where authorities estimated that more than 200 young people had gathered, 9news reported at that time.

According to The Age, which cited Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner of Regional Operations Bob Hill, the group consisted of teenagers aged between 14 and 17 and may have organised the gathering via TikTok, despite a national social media ban for Australians under 16 coming into effect last week. Hill said that when police arrived, some members of the group turned aggressive, throwing bottles of water at officers. Police responded by deploying OC spray.