Miri: A 22-year-old youth was killed after he was believed to have been assaulted by a gang at Centrepoint Commercial Centre Phase 2 here barely hours after welcoming the New Year.

The deceased has been identified as Abdul Harris Zainal from Piasau Utara who died of head and bodily injuries hours after the attack at about 3am.

The victim and his friends were within the vicinity of a gang whose members were allegedly fighting among themselves.

He (deceased) inadvertently ‘stepped into their territory' and allegedly received their wrath; they rained blows on him.

A source said the victim tried to defend himself but could not do much as the group was believed to have given him severe bashing on the head.

His friends, who kept away from the fight, were not harmed. The victim was later sent to the hospital while the police came later to investigate.

The victim died of his injuries at the hospital about 11am yesterday. Two others from the fighting gang suffered light injuries in the assault.

Meanwhile, police chief here, ACP Mun Kock Keong, could not be contacted yesterday for comment.

No suspects have been arrested at press time (6.30pm).

--Courtesy of The Borneo Post Online