police Archives - West End Today

Kayaker Dies Following Medical Emergency on Brisbane River at West End

Photo Credit: Google Maps / Juan Carlos Ponce Campuzano

A kayaker has died following a medical emergency on the Brisbane River at West End early this morning.

Emergency services were called to Hill End Terrace near the South Brisbane Sailing Club at approximately 5.40am on 15 October, where they found a man in his 50s who had fallen into the water.

Queensland Ambulance confirmed the man had suffered a medical episode and was submerged for a period of time before being pulled from the riverbank around 6.30am. Despite CPR being administered, he could not be revived.

The incident has deeply affected the local water sports community, with witnesses gathering outside the South Brisbane Sailing Club in the aftermath. One person at the scene confirmed they had lost a friend.

Multiple emergency services crews attended the incident, with police transporting a kayak from the scene. Queensland Police have classified the death as non-suspicious and will prepare a report for the coroner.

The tragedy serves as a reminder of the risks associated with solo water activities, even for experienced paddlers in familiar waters.

Published 15-October-2025

West End Man in Hospital After Early Morning Home Invasion Attack

Photo Credit: myPolice Brisbane North

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

Body Recovered from Brisbane River Following Two-Day Search

Photo Credit: Google Maps

On Monday, July 29, 2024, authorities recovered the body of a man from the Brisbane River, concluding a search that began the previous afternoon.

The victim, whose identity has not been released, was initially reported in distress near the Boundary Street river end in West End at approximately 4:39 PM on Sunday.

According to eyewitness accounts, the man was climbing a tree when he fell into the river. A bystander, who did not know the victim, alerted emergency services after losing sight of the man in the water.

Police and State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers initiated a search operation on Sunday afternoon, which was suspended around 9:30 PM due to darkness. The search resumed Monday morning, with authorities expanding the search area to include the river and shoreline extending to South Brisbane and South Bank.

Local residents reported hearing sirens in the Boundary Street area on Sunday, indicating the rapid response of emergency services to the initial call.

A police vehicle was observed stationed at the Davies Park rowing facilities by the river during the search operation.

Queensland Police have confirmed that a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Authorities have not released further details about the victim or the circumstances leading to the accident. The investigation is ongoing.

Published 29-July-2024