Australia: Arrests made, officers injured in violent riot over teen's death

A dozen officers were injured and several arrests were made in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, after riot police were forced to move in when a protest over the death of an Aboriginal teenager turned violent.

Car and building windows were smashed and courthouse staff were evacuated.

About 200 protesters gathered outside the courthouse this morning ahead of the expected appearance of a 55-year-old man, who has been charged with manslaughter over the death of 14-year-old Elijah Doughty.

The boy was riding a stolen motorcycle on Monday before a crash involving the bike and the man's utility.

Police said the stolen motorbike was linked to the charged man.

Officers made several arrests during the demonstration as protesters tried to force their way into the courthouse, which was placed in lockdown.

Acting commander Darryl Gaunt           said officers were vastly outnumbered by the crowd, and most of those injured had suffered cuts and abrasions from rocks and bottles being thrown. One had required stitches.

He said all staff and magistrates at the court had been removed to the adjacent police station during the riot, after missiles were thrown at the courthouse.

Five police cars were damaged, as was one local business.

He said local elders had been "very supportive of police actions". Several people had been arrested, and more arrests were expected.

Commander Gaunt said a total ban on takeaway alcohol sales had been implemented in the city ahead of an expected vigil tonight to commemorate the dead boy.

He said Facebook posts about the incident had been "disgusting and racist" and had "absolutely inflamed the situation", but he played down suggestions racism played a role in the child's death.

"There is nothing to suggest at all that it's a racist issue. It's the death of a child who happens to be Aboriginal," he said.

Call for calm on Facebook

Earlier, police issued a Facebook plea for calm.

"We understand there is significant community concern over events in the Goldfields during the past 24 hours," the post read.

"Members of the public have a right to protest, however, we encourage them to do so peacefully, or they may be arrested."

A full inquiry will be held into the circumstances of the disturbance, a statement from the authorities said.

The man was remanded in custody and is expected to appear in a Perth court via video link tomorrow.

Commander Gaunt said the man had been moved from Kalgoorlie for his own safety, and his family had also left town because of the tensions.

Elijah's grandfather Albert Doughty said he wanted to see the charges against the man upgraded.

"Kids have been chased in cars for too long, and reported, [but] nothing done about it," he said. 

He said his grandson was a talented footballer.

"He was a good sportsman. He's played for Kalgoorlie City Football club since he was 11. They got in the grand final. But he won't be there," he said.

Mr Doughty condemned the violence.

"I just want people to respect police and the law and let justice take its course in the right way," he said.

'Frustration and anger' among Indigenous people

Others in the city expressed frustration at what they said was ongoing, endemic racism.

Linden Brownley said the violence had been "200 years in the making".

"Relations have reached a boiling point and it's exploded here today," he said.

"I do not condone what's going on, but this is obviously an issue that needs to be addressed in this town. Also the justice system and how it fails Aboriginal people." 

Frank Martin said resentment had been building in the Indigenous community.

"I see a lot of frustration and anger. The biggest problem here in Kalgoorlie is racism," he said.

"Government has got to come to the table and talk to the Wongatha people here ... about finding real solutions and how we can look after, the whole community, can look after our kids.

"When a child as young as that passes away, it affects everybody and everybody's hurt at the moment."