'Stop filming and help out': Message after brutal bashing
Politicans and crime victims have urged people to put down their phones and lend a hand when someone needs it after a brutal attack in Perth’s nightclub precinct.
Todd Allsop, 22, was dragged from his car on the weekend and bashed unconscious by a group of strangers.
He says no one stepped in to help. Instead, they filmed the incident on their phones.
“It seems to be part of the modern age, but if you can safely assist someone in need, my advice is if you can do it safely you should do it,” WA Premier Mark McGowan said.
Mr Allsop was taken by ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital with suspected spinal injuries after being beaten unconscious at a busy intersection on Saturday night.
He was on his way home with his mum and twin brother after a night out when he says a woman walked in front of their car at the intersection of Aberdeen and William streets.
When Mr Allsop’s mother beeped the horn, the woman’s male friends allegedly went into a frenzy.
Mr Allsop said he was dragged from the car before being kicked and punched.
His brother Glenn was also hurt.
The brothers said bystanders filmed the attack, rather than helping stop it.
“That’s what hurts me about people now is that their first reaction is to grab out their phone and to film it,” Mr Allsop said.
“But you got to have one or two people who’d want to step in and say you know, lay off.”
Police want to hear from anyone who has footage of the attack in the hope of identifying the people involved in it.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
