Three teenagers have been arrested after allegedly abducting three boys and abandoning them in remote bushland at night near Mandurah, south of Perth.
The three boys – 11, 12, and 14-years-old – were walking to a service station in the suburb of Erskine at 10:30pm on Wednesday.
Police say the boys were approached by three older males — two aged 19 and one 17-year-old — while in a car park.
Police believe the trio thought the three younger boys were attempting to break into their car.
It’s alleged the accused took hold of the three boys and forced them into the vehicle.
Police allege they drove the boys to Tim’s Thicket Beach, approximately 16 kilometres away.
It’s alleged the boys were then abandoned in a “fairly remote” area of bushland which is only accessible with four-wheel drive vehicles.
The accused then drove off.
One of the boys used his mobile phone to call his family for help, and police were contacted.
The three teenagers have been arrested and each charged with three counts of deprivation of liberty, and one count of aggravated common assault.
The two 19-year-olds were due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on Friday, and the 17-year-old was due to appear in the Perth Children’s Court.