Three teenagers have been apprehended following accusations of kidnapping three young boys in WA, including a Noongar-Yamatji child.
The teenagers are said to have left the boys stranded in a secluded area surrounded by dense vegetation at night near Mandurah, south of Perth, after forcing them into their car.
The young boys, aged 11, 12 and 14, were en route to a service station in Erskine at 10:30pm on Wednesday to get snacks.
Law enforcement officials reported that the boys were approached by three older males, two of whom were 19 years old and one who was 17, while in a parking lot.
Police believe the trio accused the three younger boys were trying to break into their car.
The accused allegedly seized the three boys and compelled them to enter their vehicle.
The step-father of one of the victims, Indigenous man Stephen Willder, told Seven News the three accused had chased and assaulted the boys.
"They ended up chasing the boys down and bashed one, and chucked one in the car."
"My son was the last one to get chucked into the car," he said.
It is alleged the accused used racist slurs against Mr Willder's son.
An unnamed woman who stood next to Mr Willder told Seven her nephew (the youngest of the boys) ran for his life but the teenagers chased him down.
She said he has been left traumatised and unable to sleep at night.
"He is not himself, he is so withdrawn and he is terrified," she said.
The police allege the accused took the boys to Tims Thicket Beach, approximately 16 kilometres from where they allegedly abducted the children.
It is alleged the boys were left in a "fairly remote" area of bushland, which can only be reached with four-wheel drive vehicles.
One of the the boys had his mobile phone and was able to to contact his family for assistance, leading to the involvement of the police.
The accused include a 19-year-old from Halls Head, a 19-year-old man from Pinjarra, and a 17-year-old boy from Halls Head.
Each is facing three counts of deprivation of liberty and one count of aggravated common assault.
Police have not yet commented on whether they believe the attack was racially motivated.
