crime Archives - West End Today

West End Man in Hospital After Early Morning Home Invasion Attack

A West End man remains in hospital following a shocking early morning home invasion that has left the tight-knit community reeling.

Queensland Police have charged a 25-year-old Camira man with attempted murder after he allegedly broke into a home on Mollison Street during the early hours of Saturday morning.

The incident unfolded at approximately 5:15am when the accused allegedly entered the residence and attacked a 27-year-old man whilst he slept, inflicting stab wounds to his torso.

In a disturbing escalation, police allege the attacker then began dousing his victim with petrol before being interrupted by another person present in the home. The interruption prompted the alleged offender to flee the scene on foot.

Emergency services, including police and paramedics, responded promptly to the incident. The victim was transported to hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

The swift police investigation led to the arrest of the suspect near a Morayfield shopping centre at 9:30am on Sunday – just over 28 hours after the alleged attack occurred.

A police spokesperson confirmed that the two men were known to each other, though the exact nature of their relationship has not been disclosed as investigations continue.

The 25-year-old has been charged with one count of attempted murder and enter dwelling with intent. He faced Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning.

The incident has shocked residents of the usually vibrant and peaceful inner-city suburb. West End, which neighbours South Bank and hugs the Brisbane River, is known for its eclectic mix of cafés, galleries and community spaces.

Mollison Street runs through the heart of the West Village precinct, an area that has seen significant residential development in recent years.

Police have declared the Mollison Street property a crime scene as investigations continue. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact police.

Published 16-September-2025

50-Year-Old Man Found Dead in Ryan Street Unit Complex

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

A 50-year-old West End man has died following what police describe as a targeted incident at a Ryan Street unit complex in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Emergency services responded to reports of an unconscious man at approximately 4:30am on 2 August, where they found the local resident unresponsive with critical injuries inside his unit. Despite valiant efforts by first responders, the man was declared deceased at the scene.

Detective Inspector Wayne Francis described the scene as traumatic for attending officers and paramedics, praising their efforts to save the man’s life under difficult conditions. The victim has yet to be formally identified, and police expect the investigation to continue for several days.

A crime scene has been established at the government-owned unit complex, with forensic teams conducting detailed examinations of the property and surrounding areas. Police observed a smashed window at the top-storey apartment, which Detective Inspector Francis confirmed forms part of their ongoing investigation.

Investigators believe the incident was targeted, with those involved known to each other. Detective Inspector Francis indicated that police are aware of other occupants being present at the unit the previous evening and are working to identify and speak with all relevant persons.

Local residents have expressed concern about the death occurring so close to their homes. One neighbour, who has lived in the area since 2015, reported previous disturbances at the unit complex, describing occasional street altercations and residents yelling outside the building.

Despite these concerns, police have assured the community there is no ongoing threat to public safety in the West End area. Crime statistics show West End experienced 735 theft cases in 2024, with overall crime increasing by 24.18% from 2023 to 2024 Crime rate in West End (Brisbane – Qld), QLD 4101, Australia – RedSuburbs, though violent offences remain relatively uncommon in the suburb.

A spokesperson for the Department of Housing and Public Works, which owns the Ryan Street complex, expressed sadness at the death occurring at a social housing property. The department has committed to offering support to affected tenants whilst the police investigation continues.

Detective Inspector Francis has appealed for anyone with information, CCTV footage, or dashcam recordings from the Ryan Street vicinity overnight to contact police. The investigation remains active, with officers working to piece together the exact circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

Community members with information can contact Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The incident has highlighted ongoing challenges faced by social housing communities, though authorities stress this appears to be an isolated event between known parties rather than a random act of violence affecting the broader West End community.

Published 2-August-2025

West End Shisha Bar Destroyed in Overnight Ram Raid and Fire

A well-established West End shisha bar was severely damaged in what appears to be a deliberate attack at around 3:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 7. The incident occurred on Boundary Street when perpetrators used a stolen vehicle to ram the storefront before setting it ablaze.

Read: West End Wander: Brisbane’s Riverside Retreat

Truck rams into West End shisha bar

Security footage captured two individuals driving a stolen white Isuzu D-Max—previously reported stolen from Shorncliffe on 29 October—into the establishment multiple times. The suspects, described as wearing hooded garments, were then seen throwing what investigators believe to be a molotov cocktail into the vehicle before fleeing the scene in a white Ford sedan.

The Queensland Fire Department arrived promptly, containing the vehicle fire by 3:15 a.m. However, the business had already sustained significant damage from both the impact and subsequent fire. No injuries were reported as the premises were unoccupied at the time of the incident.

Local resident Arthur Early witnessed the incident and described the scene as reminiscent of a movie explosion. Another resident, who requested anonymity, reported hearing crashes before witnessing the business engulfed in flames.

Impact on local business owner

Sammy Ansabag, the establishment’s owner, expressed devastation over the attack. “I’ve been here 15 years, everyone loves me. I work hard,” Ansabag told 9News. He added that he has no knowledge of why his business might have been targeted.

Queensland Police have established a crime scene and are currently seeking two male suspects. One was wearing a beige hoodie with black track pants, while the other was dressed in all black.

Read: Inside Cobbler West End, Brisbane’s ‘Hidden’ Cocktail Haven

Authorities are urging West End residents who may have witnessed suspicious activity or have additional information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

Published 10-November-2024

West End Man Charged After Alleged Criminal Activities at Redcliffe

Photo Credit: myPolice Moreton

A 31-year-old West End resident is facing multiple charges following a series of alleged criminal activities that culminated in the assault of a security guard at a Redcliffe shopping centre.

According to police reports, the West End man allegedly attempted to leave a store without paying for items around 7 PM on August 2, 2024. When confronted by a 23-year-old security guard from Salisbury, the situation escalated violently. The accused reportedly punched the guard multiple times in the face before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.

Law enforcement quickly traced the suspect to a residence on Duffield Road, Margate. After a brief attempt to evade capture by hiding in a neighbouring property, the man was apprehended following a short foot chase.

The West End resident now faces a litany of charges, including robbery, stealing, possession of a dangerous drug, and possession of property related to a drug offence. These charges also stem from an earlier incident on the same day, where the accused allegedly left a grocery store with an unpaid trolley full of goods.

Upon arrest, police claim to have found the man in possession of a syringe and methyl amphetamine, further complicating his legal situation.

The accused has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in the Redcliffe Magistrates Court on September 2, 2024. No pleas have been entered at this time.

The security guard, fortunately, sustained only minor injuries and was treated for grazes and bruising.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 7-August-2024