Woman allegedly sexually assaulted at World Cup viewing site, multiple arrested over flares

A woman was allegedly sexually assaulted in Melbourne while thousands packed into fan sites in Melbourne to watch the Australia’s World Cup clash with the USA, and several more have been arrested for setting off flares in Sydney and the Victorian capital.

A teen aged just 16 years old was named as a person in the alleged sexual assault, which occurred about 5am on Saturday.

The 16-year-old boy from Manningham, in the city’s north-east, was identified as a person of interest.

He was arrested by police and is expected to be charged on summons.

Two people are also expected to be charged as 14 flares were launched and a firework was set off at Federation Square before kick-off.

Authorities say that more than 16,000 fans packed into AAMI Park and Federation Square in to watch the game with a “highly visible” police presence.

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Police arrested two people and are set to look at CCTV to figure out who lit the remaining flares.

Earlier, at 4am the gates to Federation Square opened at 4am, but five minutes later, the 7500 capacity was reached.

A crowd crush left the police’s mounted branch trying to control the keen spectators.

An officer suffered a minor foot injury after being crushed against a barrier.

In Sydney’s Tumbalong Park, two men were charged after also lighting flares at the popular viewing site.

Police went into the crowd and arrested the 20-year-olds who they believe lit the flares that hit another 20-year-old in the face.

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He was treated and assessed for facial burns before being taken to St Vincent’s Hospital for further treatment.

The pair accused of lighting the flares were taken to Day Street Police Station and charged with the possession of the distress signals.

They were granted conditional bail to appear in court on July 15.