I WISH to express my concern about the frequency of fights and subsequent police action at Boat Quay.
I was there one morning at about 3am when I witnessed a fracas between a group of about 10 men and a smaller group of five youngsters outside a pub named 12th Element. The bigger group appeared aggressive and was about to attack the youngsters when a police patrol car stopped beside them. The presence of the police deterred a possible violent clash from ensuing and the five youngsters were able to walk away unscathed, while being taunted by the larger group.
I was surprised the police officers did not alight from their vehicle to conduct an identity check or take any action, but continued to drive down the lane.
However, what I witnessed just 20 minutes later really appalled me.
I was outside a pub named Speed Legend and witnessed a man being attacked by a group of five men. One of the attackers, a man in his 20s with long hair and dressed in black, smashed a beer bottle against the victim's head as his friends continued to rain punches and kicks on the fallen victim. They were also shouting secret society slogans, even though there were many witnesses like myself watching the attack in shock and fear.
The police and ambulance arrived shortly, and the victim, bleeding heavily from the head, was immediately taken to hospital. The attackers, however, continued to appear extremely violent and aggressive despite being confronted by the police. The attackers were interviewed by the police and, after about 10 minutes, were allowed to walk away smugly without being arrested.
I am sincerely worried and fearful about the brazenness of these gang members, and even more so about the actions of the police. No witnesses were interviewed and many of the bystanders had left in fear as the attackers walked past them. Although I applaud the police for the fast response time and much needed presence, I hope they can tell me why no action was taken.
Oh Kok Tong
I was there one morning at about 3am when I witnessed a fracas between a group of about 10 men and a smaller group of five youngsters outside a pub named 12th Element. The bigger group appeared aggressive and was about to attack the youngsters when a police patrol car stopped beside them. The presence of the police deterred a possible violent clash from ensuing and the five youngsters were able to walk away unscathed, while being taunted by the larger group.
I was surprised the police officers did not alight from their vehicle to conduct an identity check or take any action, but continued to drive down the lane.
However, what I witnessed just 20 minutes later really appalled me.
I was outside a pub named Speed Legend and witnessed a man being attacked by a group of five men. One of the attackers, a man in his 20s with long hair and dressed in black, smashed a beer bottle against the victim's head as his friends continued to rain punches and kicks on the fallen victim. They were also shouting secret society slogans, even though there were many witnesses like myself watching the attack in shock and fear.
The police and ambulance arrived shortly, and the victim, bleeding heavily from the head, was immediately taken to hospital. The attackers, however, continued to appear extremely violent and aggressive despite being confronted by the police. The attackers were interviewed by the police and, after about 10 minutes, were allowed to walk away smugly without being arrested.
I am sincerely worried and fearful about the brazenness of these gang members, and even more so about the actions of the police. No witnesses were interviewed and many of the bystanders had left in fear as the attackers walked past them. Although I applaud the police for the fast response time and much needed presence, I hope they can tell me why no action was taken.
Oh Kok Tong
