Children aged up to 15 years old are facing assault charges over a wild rampage in Cockburn on Monday night that left eight people injured, including one with a broken nose.

Seven children were arrested over the incident at Cockburn Gateway Shopping Centre, with two girls aged 12 and 14 charged with stealing offences and disorderly conduct, and State Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said more arrests would be made.

“We are looking for some other children who I believe were involved in assaults,” he said.

“We’re conducting extensive investigations. I’ve got little doubt assault charges will be forthcoming.”

Commissioner Dawson said police was aware of a group of possibly up to 20 children running around in packs assaulting and stealing from members of the community.

“They were out-of-control, they will face serious charges and yes, everyone in the community should be concerned about it,” he said.

“This is common in every city around the world.

“I am not going to predict this will never happen again because it most certainly will. What I want (the public) to do is give police information or footage.”

He urged the community not to engage in vigilante acts or citizens arrests, but rather call police and to allow trained, equipped officers to handle these matters where possible.

“I don’t want older people inserting themselves into a situation where you’ve got a bunch of young kids, punches get thrown and you get an elderly person who is seriously injured,” he said.

“I understand the community concern but I don’t want people to take the law into their own hands. We’ve got to moderate this.”