Five-year-old boy is knocked unconscious at a shopping centre as a man tried to steal a mobile phone
A five-year-old boy was knocked unconscious in a shopping centre after a man allegedly crashed into him while trying to steal a mobile phone.
A 30-year-old man has been charged after allegedly assaulting the young boy at Lidcombe Shopping Centre, in Sydney's west, on Sunday afternoon.
Police will allege the man tried to buy a phone inside the centre but fled the store with the device when the transaction was declined.
A 30-year-old man has been charged after allegedly assaulting a five-year-old boy at Lidcombe Shopping Centre on Sunday afternoon
The store attendant and bystanders chased after the man, placing him under citizen's arrest, but he reportedly broke free and ran off through the complex.
The man allegedly collided with a five-year-old boy in the process, knocking him unconscious.
Members of the public managed to detain the man again until police arrived.
The boy was treated at the scene by ambulance officers before being taken to Westmead Children’s Hospital for treatment.
He is reported to be in a stable condition with minor head injuries.
The 30-year-old man was taken to hospital to be treated for injuries before being arrested and transported to Auburn police station.
He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, stealing, dishonestly obtain property by deception and two counts of goods in custody.
The man was refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Monday.
The man allegedly knocked the five-year-old boy unconscious as he ran through the shopping centre (stock image)