Violence in mall alarms traders

front of two young children, including a two-year-old, and involved five other men.

First Constable Mallory Armstrong said Market Square security could not separate the men after the fight broke out near the Moorabool St bus interchange.

“Several punches were thrown and one male was kneed to the face. One shop owner pulled down the security shutter to close their shop,” Constable Armstrong said.

“The males then started to separate and leave Market Square but have returned and re-engaged in the fight.

“Market Square security attempted to separate them but due to the male’s aggressive and violent behaviour they were unable to be separated.”

She said the men left and re-entered Market Square at least twice before one pulled a knife.

A 43-year-old Grovedale man, a 21-year-old Thomson man, an 18-year-old Phillip Island man and a 29-year-old Whittington man have all been charged with affray following the brawl.

Mr Tuipulotu has also been charged following a separate fight on August 17 during which he allegedly punched a man in his 30s in the head and stomach.

Constable Armstrong said Mr Tuipulotu had lived at a Belmont home in Queen St, but said he could be in hiding.

A female Dymocks staff member working on the afternoon of the July fight said the roller-doors were closed to protect customers.

“I knew security were around but I didn’t know if the fight would come into the store,” the staffer said.

“Ninety per cent of the time