NSW: Police continue standoff with rioting Redfern youth

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2004
NSW: Police continue standoff with rioting Redfern youth

SYDNEY, Feb 16 AAP - Police have reportedly used high-pressure hoses this morning in
an effort to disperse youths rioting over the death of a teenager in the inner-Sydney
suburb of Redfern.

Police were called to Redfern at about 6pm (AEDT) last night after reports that a group
of youths were throwing rocks and bottles at passing vehicles.

Radio reports early today said Molotov Cocktails and fireworks had also been thrown,
and four policemen and a police dog had been injured.

Police reinforcements have been called in from as far as Campbelltown and the Hawkesbury.

Police said Redfern railway station remained closed early today after it was set alight,
but the damage did not seem to be major.

The trouble appears to have been sparked by the death of a 17-year-old boy who was
impaled on a metal fence after falling from his bicycle on Saturday.

He died in hospital yesterday morning from his injuries.

Thomas Hickey's mother says her son was pursued by police, but they deny the allegation.

A police spokesman said negotiators were speaking with aboriginal leaders in the area
to try to bring a peaceful resolution to the situation.

Radio reports said Lawson Street, Redfern, was covered with debris and the rioters
had retreated into Eveleigh Street, where some arrests were believed to have been made.

AAP ved/ao

KEYWORD: IMPALED RIOT 2ND LEAD

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