ACT police have apologised to the family of two young boys assaulted at Westfield Belconnen, admitting their response to the incident fell short of expectations.

Police met with the boys’ family following the assault on Friday and said the policing response was not in line with either their own or the community’s expectations.

Police say they are reviewing their handling of the incident and have reassured the community it was not their standard response.

An 18-year-old man was arrested in McKellar on Sunday and charged with common assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact police via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.

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