Police investigate whether beach brawls were 'organised' on social media

Videos surfaced online showing fights breaking out at Glenelg and Henley Beach, with hundreds of teenagers gathered to watch. Police claim a small number of individuals engaged in the altercations, while the majority were there as spectators, alerted to the activity via social media, according to Acting Assistant Commissioner David O’Donovan.

Police are scrutinizing various online platforms to determine the degree of organization behind the brawls and identify those responsible. The incidents unfolded at Glenelg and Henley Beach on Tuesday, with several videos posted online capturing the fights, which drew crowds of young people. One video depicted a woman attempting to stop a wrestling match between two boys being pelted with water bottles.

O’Donovan stated that police responded to Henley Square after receiving reports of an altercation, but most of the crowd had dispersed by the time officers arrived. Investigations suggest a limited number of individuals were involved in the fighting, while others were merely spectators. SA Police have deployed additional resources to manage the growing crowds at the beaches, where temperatures soared above 34 degrees Celsius in Adelaide.

Acting Assistant Commissioner O’Donovan mentioned that police are contemplating the early implementation of Operation Jericho, a summer program aimed at tackling crime and public disorder along the metropolitan coastline.

There have been no reports of assaults or injuries resulting from the incidents. City of Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans expressed concern over the reports, emphasizing that such occurrences are unacceptable. Henley Beach, typically a tranquil destination, was described by a listener who witnessed the event as having "disgraceful" behavior, with teenagers flouting traffic rules and obstructing pedestrian pathways.