WARNING: This story may be upsetting to some readers. Discretion is advised.

In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the Kelowna community, British Columbia, RCMP have arrested three youths following a brutal swarming attack on a 13-year-old girl last Friday night.

During a press conference this week, Kelowna RCMP Sgt. Laura Pollock revealed that investigators have identified a total of five aggressors involved in the premeditated assault, which was shocking due to its brutal nature and the fact that it was filmed by bystanders. On Tuesday, the three arrested youths were released under strict conditions. Due to their age, their identities are being withheld.

Sgt. Pollock emphasized the disturbing nature of the event, stating, 'It was organized, it was premeditated. You can hear in the video people saying, ‘Get the circle tight so she can’t escape’ before they began attacking her.'

The chilling video footage obtained by Global News depicts the young girl being swarmed and beaten unconscious, with onlookers not only filming the harrowing event but also yelling as the assault unfolded. As she lay unconscious on the ground, bystanders shamefully scooped dirt onto her head, an act that has horrified many.

The father of the victim expressed his devastation to Global News, seeking clarity on how such violence could occur, stating, 'I don’t know what she could have done to deserve a beating like that.' Having rushed his daughter to the hospital, he reported that she was treated for bruised ribs and a concussion, leaving the family traumatized.

In a rare moment of positivity amid the outrage, Sgt. Pollock acknowledged the actions of two youths who attempted to intervene - one who called the police and another who tried to stop the assault. Their bravery stands in stark contrast to the majority who chose to record rather than help.

The victim was lured to Kelowna’s Boyce-Gyro Park under the pretense of attending a party with her best friend, who abandoned her shortly after their arrival. This raises further questions about the extent of peer influence and the actions of those who might mislead someone into danger.

As the investigation continues, the community is calling for justice, demanding accountability not just for the aggressors, but also for the culture that allows such violence to proliferate. Local leaders and organizations are now faced with the urgent need to address youth violence and promote safer community interactions.

This incident serves as a grave reminder of the potential for brutality that can erupt in group settings. As more details emerge, the hope for healing and reform hangs in the balance.