A terrifying gang assault on Sydney train passengers has left two international students seriously injured and caused a media storm in China.
The alleged robbery, including racist taunts, drew a social media pledge from former foreign affairs minister Kevin Rudd and led to emergency talks at Sydney's Chinese consulate general.
Police said six people, aged 14 to 18, robbed passengers on a train between Central and Rockdale about 12.30am yesterday
Officers were called to Rockdale station about 15 minutes later, where they arrested three men, two aged 18 and one 19, a 14-year-old boy and two girls, aged 16 and 17.
They were all charged with a number of robbery and assault offences.
Yesterday's attack came just days after two safety warnings from the Chinese embassy in Canberra for citizens travelling in Australia. Many Chinese students studying in Australia have expressed their fear over growing violence directed against them.