Support is building around businesses at Eaton Mall following a violent machete attack that left an 18-year-old man hospitalised and shocked the local community.
The attack unfolded about 7:45pm on Friday outside the Vanilla dessert bar and lounge, where police say a group of 10 to 12 masked offenders approached a group of young people before a fight broke out. At least two were armed with machetes.
“A physical altercation occurred before the group fled the scene on foot,” a Victoria Police spokesman said, confirming the victim was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A 16-year-old was also assaulted but not injured.
CCTV shows the group surrounding and slashing the victim as patrons fled.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Hermans described the incident as “horrific”, noting 17,000 edged weapons were seized last year and 3,000 so far this year. The weapons used in the attack have not been recovered.
Witnesses said the victim sought refuge inside Vanilla, where bystanders rushed to help.
“The boy was sitting inside Vanilla, everybody was putting hankies and all to cover his blood, there was a lot of blood,” one account said.
Nearby restaurant owner Kay Garg described scenes of panic, with “everyone so scared” as crowds ran for safety and businesses lost customers.
Despite the violence, locals returned to the strip the following day in a show of support.
Dimitri Damianos said the community was “rally around the amazing business and family,” adding: “You can’t let crime or these types of things impact you from moving forward.”
Local MP Steve Dimopoulos also praised the response, saying: “Seeing so many locals out today enjoying the best that Oakleigh has to offer reminds us that, despite the fact that some come here to cause harm, the rest of us will stand together and support each other.”
Police say the attack was targeted and that those involved were known to each other, though it is not clear if it was gang-related.
No arrests have been made, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as patrols are increased in the area.
Source: ABC.
