A teenage boy has been stabbed to death at a busy Melbourne shopping centre, with police now searching for his killer. The incident occurred at Woodgrove Shopping Centre in Melton West just before midday on Tuesday. Emergency services were called to the scene after reports of a stabbing, and paramedics performed CPR, but despite their best efforts, the boy died at the scene.
Police believe there may have been an altercation between the victim and another male. 'The exact circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death are yet to be determined and no arrests have been made at this stage,' Victoria Police said in a statement.
Melton West Stabbing: Witness Accounts and Police Investigation
A woman who works in a shop within the centre told Daily Mail Australia she heard a group of young people 'yelling and screaming' as the attack unfolded. Another witness, Steve, told 3AW that the centre was bustling with shoppers at the time of the attack. 'There has to be 25 police cars and choppers in the sky,' he said. 'The food court where it happened is open and there's people oblivious to it.'
The woman was shocked that authorities did not close the plaza in the wake of the incident. 'All they did was close one entrance. That was it,' she said. Police have deployed a helicopter in the area as detectives search for the knifeman.
Previous Incidents at Woodgrove Shopping Centre
The incident comes after the shopping centre was locked down earlier this year after a fight broke out between two groups of youths armed with machetes and a butcher's knife. This recent incident raises concerns about safety and security at the shopping centre.
Community Response and Fear
The incident also follows a warning posted on Facebook by a local resident just days before the stabbing. 'I've heard possible issues with gang problems this weekend at Woodgrove,' the woman wrote on Saturday. 'Hopefully not true... Be aware of your surroundings.' This highlights the growing concern about potential gang activity in the area.
Police Appeal for Information
Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 'We’re appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has any information, to come forward and speak to police,' Detective Senior Sergeant Nigel L’Estrange said. 'Any information, no matter how small, could be vital to our investigation.'
This tragic incident has shaken the community and raised serious questions about safety at shopping centres. The investigation is ongoing, and police are determined to bring the perpetrator to justice. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
