A McDonald’s manager has been praised for defending his staff from a group of youths who lashed out in a Melbourne store earlier this week — allegedly over a mistake in an order.
Shocking footage shows the moment several teenagers engaged Mcdonald’s staff at the store in the CBD on Wednesday.
A flurry of punches is seen in the video before a young manager thrusts himself between the alleged attackers and a young woman attending the counter.
A female worker is briefly seen holding her head while the manager fends off several attackers.
A customer also steps in to help as the youth continues to scream and swing at the staff.
According to Victoria Police, the Transit Crime Investigation Unit detectives arrested four teenagers following an alleged robbery and assault before they were said to have been involved in the McDonald’s incident.
Police allege a group of girls approached a 15-year-old girl on a platform at Melbourne Central railway station and demanded her handbag at about 11.20am.
Police said the teens fled the scene, before being involved in a physical altercation at the restaurant shortly after.
“It is alleged staff were assaulted, and the four girls were arrested at the scene,” a Victoria Police spokesperson told news.com.au.
“A 17-year-old St Kilda girl is expected to be charged on summons.”
“A 12-year-old Mill Park girl, a 13-year-old Coburg North girl and a 14-year-old Preston girl received cautions for attempted robbery, recklessly cause injury and affray.”
McDonald’s Australia told news.com.au no staff were injured and police were contacted immediately.
“The safety and wellbeing of our crew and customers is our top priority,” a spokesperson said.
“Anti-social behaviour is not tolerated in our restaurants. We won’t accept abuse, intimidation, threats or violence towards our customers or employees
“Our employees acted in accordance with our emergency response procedures and immediately contacted police.
“No crew members were injured during the incident, and we are continuing to support crew and their families”
The video was initially posted to social media but removed by the woman who filmed it.
The woman told Daily Mail that staff members appeared “extremely scared”.
The woman praised the actions of the manager, calling his bravery “amazing”.
“He continuously kept protecting the staff during the fight,” she said.
A copy of the video made its way to an online forum, posted by a worker from the store who pleaded, “Please don’t treat hospitality workers like this”.
“Please help those who are being affected if the danger won’t affect you as well, even if it means calling the cops, it’ll mean a lot, thank you,” they campaigned.
“Far out good to see a manager standing up for his employees,” another added. “Gets right in between them and pushes them right back.”
Another said, “kudos to the (manager) that immediately stepped in front to protect the young lady being attacked.”