Geraldton CBD incident: Two men arrested in Jurien Bay following assault on man in CBD forcing lockdown

Two men are in custody after a brutal assault that left a man lying on a street in the Geraldton CBD with serious head injuries, and a witness hailing down nearby police for assistance. The Geraldton CBD was in lockdown on Thursday after police discovered a 43-year-old Sunset Beach man with serious injuries lying on Durlacher Street about 10.15pm on Wednesday. Police say the man left the Freemasons Hotel with another person when two men, who had previously been at the licensed premises, approached them. A physical altercation erupted and the 43-year-old received significant injuries. Mid West-Gascoyne Supt Steve Post said a witness hailed down police and the man was found conscious and talking. The two groups were not known to each other, according to police. The 43-year-old was taken to Geraldton Health Campus and later flown by Royal Flying Doctor Service to Royal Perth Hospital about 7am on Thursday. He was in a critical but stable condition on Thursday afternoon. Two men were arrested on Brand Highway in Jurien Bay and were assisting police on Thursday afternoon. Geraldton police cornered off a section of the CBD on Durlacher Street and Marine Terrace as forensic officers investigated the scene. Local businesses were forced to remain shut on Thursday. Supt Post said he was hopeful the streets would be open to the public by Friday morning and apologised to those affected by the lockdown. “We understand that the cornering off of the Geraldton CBD would have been a significant disruption to the community,” he said. “We do have a very serious matter to investigate. We need to make sure that if there’s any evidence contained in that area that we secure it.” Supt Post ensured there was no further risk to the community and it was an isolated incident that occurred “between some men”. “We have the investigation well in hand and the greater public are safe,” he said. “I would also like to acknowledge the work that’s been done by the Geraldton detectives and the Geraldton police on this investigation and their tireless efforts through the night to ensure this investigation is conducted in a in a professional manner.” Those in the community with any information are asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestopperswa.com.au Charges are yet to be laid.