"A 10-year-old actually can be arrested, which I think might surprise a lot of people," Mr Bell said.
"They can't be charged at that age, but there's still matters that can be dealt with through the Family Court for them and the family to be held responsible.
"I know from my time in the police that the police will be looking at the parents -- probably as hard, if not harder -- than they will be looking at [the children], especially the younger ones."
Despite being involved in violence at such a young age, it was not too late for the children to turn their lives around, he said.
"I don't think anybody's lost," Mr Bell said.
"It obviously is a real concern, and I think what it shows is the importance of the work with kids younger and younger."
Youth crime had reduced greatly over the years, he said, and "most young people are achieving some amazing things".
"But if we don't address it younger and younger, the ones that especially go down this track of violence, it's harder to turn that tide with them."
The first of the two weekend attacks, which occurred at a bottle store on K' Rd, involved the alleged assault of a staff member by five young people on Friday night.
They were also accused of stealing alcohol from the store.
A 17-year-old girl was arrested and three others -- aged 15, 13 and 12 -- were referred to Youth Aid in relation to the incident.
Early on Sunday morning, police were called to Myers Park after a group of six young people allegedly conduced a "vicious" and "brutal" attack on a couple.
Five of those believed to be involved, including a 10-year-old boy and two children aged 13, were taken in by police.
A 16-year-old girl was arrested and charged with three counts of assault with intent to rob in relation to the incident.
She is due to appear in the Youth Court. The other four children have been referred to Youth Aid.
