Public Order Police have been deployed to Hanover Park after the police’s anti-gang unit caught two alleged gang groups throwing stones at each other near the Hanover Park Civic Centre voting station.

According to police, Anti-Gang Unit members were deployed in the area as part of the 2026 Local Government Election security operations. The officers reportedly intervened shortly after 10 am when they noticed the two groups in a dispute.

While members managed to calm the situation, one group reportedly turned on the officers, pelting them with stones and beer bottles. According to police Colonel Andrè Traut, one member sustained an injury to his left hand and discharged three warning shots to disperse the attackers and restore order.

“Public Order Police members responded to stabilise the area. No community members were injured.” added Traut

Four suspects, aged between 16 and 20, were arrested following the incident, and a case of public violence and attack on police has been registered.

Traut added that preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are allegedly affiliated with a criminal gang operating in the area. The suspects are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court once charged.

“The incident did not affect or disrupt the election process, and voting continued uninterrupted.”

The Colonel says police remain deployed to maintain law and order and will not allow acts of lawlessness to derail the electoral process or prevent voters from exercising their democratic rights in a safe and secure environment.