Shocking social media posts have revealed the anger of a Queensland neighbourhood plagued by crime.
More than 100 people rocked up to Central Park in North Rockhampton on Sunday afternoon following impassioned calls from a local figure to end the local crime wave.
The chaotic scenes were first sparked after former One Nation candidate and Muay Thai gym owner Torin O’Brien shared a post to social media offering $5000 for details on a local robbery.
Facebook post that sparked angry confrontation with police. Picture: Facebook
Former One Nation candidate Torin O’Brien called on his community to gather in public. Picture: Facebook
“REWARD: $5k if one of the guys/ kids that robbed a place in Wandal last night wants to rat out their mates,” he shared to his Facebook page on Saturday.
The post was shared more than 350 times on Facebook, with people jumping to the comments section to vent their anger at the worsening crime problem.
On Sunday morning, Mr O’Brien posted again, this time calling for a community meeting at Central Park.
Police officers control the crowd gathered on the lawn of a Rockhampton home. Picture: Nine
“The town is angry and the police are worried … good, maybe they can feel our fear and will do more,’ he wrote.
“Stop being so gutless and take a stand WITH US.”
Mr O’Brien led the crowd. Picture: Nine
Police were called to the park at about 2pm before the group made their move towards two local homes where they allegedly made verbal threats to the residents.
Dramatic footage shows the moment the meeting escalated as neighbours faced off against half a dozen officers on the front lawn of a Norman Garden home.
Mr O’Brien led the charge, explaining to the gathered crowd and local media that he had largely stayed quiet about the local crime problem until recently.
Shocking video shows protesters chasing after the residents. Picture: Nine
“Where were you guys when my sister and her baby woke up with three of these … in her bedroom,” he said in the video.
A Queensland police spokesman said they “appreciate community assistance in reporting” local crime.
“Police remain committed to preventing, disrupting and investigating crime in our local communities,” they said.
The locals expressed their frustration to local police. Picture: Nine
“Information received from members of the public is continually instrumental in identifying and disrupting criminal offences.”
Move-on directions were issued to 15 people and no one was injured during the incident.
Investigations into the incident are continuing.
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