An elderly man is in a serious condition after allegedly being assaulted by a teenager outside a polling booth in Sydney’s Inner West.
Police were called to an early voting centre at Ashfield Town Hall on Liverpool Road at around 1pm today following reports of an assault.
The victim, aged in his 80s, was wearing a Make America Great Again (MAGA) hat when he allegedly became aggressive towards a volunteer handing out how-to-vote pamphlets.
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He then allegedly approached an Anthony Albanese sign and appeared to be about to deface it when he was asked to stop, before a teenager crossed the road and allegedly hit him, 9News understands.
The man was treated at the scene and has been taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a serious condition.
Police arrested a 17-year-old boy at the scene.
He has been taken to Burwood Police Station where he is assisting with an investigation.
A crime scene has been established.
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The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) said it is aware of the incident but confirmed the victim was not an election worker.
“The incident occurred outside of our polling place and did not involve any AEC staff,” a spokesperson told 9news.com.au.
“Voting operations are continuing at the pre-poll voting centre in Ashfield.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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