RNC investigating alleged violent attacks involving young people in Mount Pearl

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has launched an investigation into several alleged violent attacks in Mount Pearl involving young people as both the suspects and victims.

Const. James Cadigan, the RNC's media relations and public communications officer, says four separate attacks have been reported to police within the last week, and police believe there have been more that were not reported.

Cadigan said they involve groups of more than six youths attacking one individual in what are essentially random events.

"This is not bullying. This is organized criminal activity," he said. "It's multiple youth attacking, unprovoked, another youth throughout the community, in multiple locations."

In a press release Monday, police said several arrests have been made, with more arrests expected, on charges including robbery, assault causing bodily harm and possession of a weapon.

Cadigan wasn't able to say exactly how many charges have been laid, but the suspects in the investigation range in age from 12 to 16 years old.

Police have reviewed videos of the incidents as part of the investigation, said Cadigan, and some have involved significant injuries.

"You look at the charge of assault causing bodily harm, that's not just a simple injury;that's a visit to the hospital to seek medical attention and potential long-term effects," said Cadigan.

"This is not a simple violent act. This is very complex."

He saidofficers are looking for as much information as possible about these attacks:

• Jan. 15 at St. Peter's Junior High at 11 a.m.
• Jan. 16 in the area of Old Placentia Road and Munden Drive at 2:30 p.m.
• Jan. 17 at the Reid Community Centre between 7 p.m. and 7:25 p.m.
• Jan. 20 on Jeffers Drive at 6 p.m.

Download ourfree CBC News appto sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador.Click here to visit our landing page.