Monday April 7, 2008
CityNews.ca Staff
It was a terrifying start to the school week at one local campus in Sydney, Australia. Not long after classes began on Monday, five teenagers rampaged through Merrylands High armed with baseball bats and a machete, smashing windows, threatening students and teachers and destroying much of what got in their way.
One instructor was hit over the head with one of the wooden weapons as he attempted to stop the rampage. Eighteen students were slightly hurt in the wild melee, mostly as a result of cuts from broken glass. The teens involved, all between the ages of 14 and 16, allegedly rushed in just after 9am, prompting chaos in the halls.
Teachers were able to retreat with a large number of their kids into their classrooms and lock the doors, preventing the intruders from reaching them. Others hid in a closet or even under their desks, as the violence continued.
What could have sparked such a senseless attack? Police are still trying to sort that out, but believe the accused may have been looking for someone specific. "The information to us is they were coming here ... seeking someone," explains Police Det. Inspector Jim Stewart.
Parents flocked to the school as the news unfolded, worried about their youngsters trapped inside. Authorities say that while those behind the attack refused to listen to teachers, they didn't have any compunction about obeying the law. They put their weapons down and surrendered when cops showed up. The entire ordeal lasted six very long minutes.
Authorities were stunned by the violent outburst. "It beggars belief they would attempt this kind of activity against innocent students," Stewart laments.
The five remain in custody and charges including assault are pending. Despite their status as minors, If they're found guilty they could face up to seven years in prison.
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