![]() Riots break out in Sydney 15feb04 A RIOT has erupted in inner Sydney and is believed to be a reaction to the death of a 17-year-old boy whose mother claims was chased by police. Police attended Redfern about 6pm (AEDT) in response to calls that youths were throwing bottles and rocks at passing cars. The area was sealed off and a tense stand-off began, according to news reports. A fire which started near the train station was left to burn for some time but caused little damage. "We are responding to a disturbance down there but we are not sure how many people are involved," a police spokeswoman said. The troubles seem to be sparked by the death of Thomas Hickey, who was thrown off his bicycle and impaled on a metal fence yesterday. The boy died in Sydney's Children's Hospital about 1am (AEDT) today from chest, neck and internal injuries. "It is believed to be related to the accidental death of a 17-year-old youth after he had a bike accident," the spokeswoman said. The boy's mother claims he was being chased by police when he was injured but police deny the allegations. Police remained on scene.
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