Girl hurt in city assault

A SCHOOLGIRL has been taken to hospital after she was bashed and robbed by a group of juveniles in the heart of Townsville.

A spokesman for Queensland Police said the incident occurred outside Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

It’s believed the 16-year-old caught a bus from Stockland shopping centre to Townsville City, before she began walking to her Railway Estate home. About 4pm she was approached by six juveniles.

A female asked for some food, which the girl refused. She was then punched several times before being dragged to her knees by her hair.

Once on the ground she was struck several more times. During the assault the girl’s mobile phone was stolen.

She suffered injuries to her face, head, arms and legs.

The girl was treated at the scene before being taken to Townsville University Hospital in a stable condition.

About 9pm police arrested three juveniles. The victim’s mobile phone was found on one of the alleged offenders. They will front Townsville Childrens Court at a later date.