Broome tradie who cable-tied three young Indigenous children for breaking into a backyard swimming pool 'performed a citizen's arrest'

A Broome tradie who was caught on video cable-tying three young Indigenous children for trespassing on his property has defended his actions, saying he was performing a 'citizen's arrest'.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, has sparked outrage in the community, with many people calling for the tradie to be charged with assault.

The tradie, who has not been identified, told reporters that he was home alone when he heard the children breaking into his backyard swimming pool. He said he went outside and asked them to leave, but they refused.

The tradie said he then went inside and got some cable ties, which he used to restrain the children. He said he held them there until police arrived.

The children, who are aged between 10 and 12, were not injured. However, they were left shaken by the incident.

The tradie's actions have been condemned by the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia (ALSWA), which said they were "nothing short of child abuse".

"This man took the law into his own hands and assaulted three young children," ALSWA CEO Dennis Eggington said. "His actions were completely unacceptable and he should be charged with assault."

The tradie's actions have also been condemned by the Broome community. A petition calling for him to be charged with assault has attracted more than 1,000 signatures.

The incident is being investigated by police.