A teenager was attacked with machetes and robbed of his e-bike in Melbourne, Australia, in a terrifying ordeal that left him fearing for his life.
Attack in Wantirna
The schoolboy, who has not been named, was riding his bike in the Wantirna suburb when two masked men ambushed him. He told the Herald Sun: "I stopped to check my phone and was knocked off my bike from behind. They started swinging the machetes at me when I was on the ground."
The teenager managed to get to his feet and run, but the men chased him down, shouting "Oi, just kill him right now" and "Quick, quick, just kill him". He was slashed across his back several times before one of the men stabbed him in his left shoulder.
Fear for his life
"I thought they were going to kill me and was begging them not to and asking them why they were doing this," the teenager said. "Then they got on my e-bike and rode away."
He reached a nearby street, where passersby helped him before he was taken to hospital. He was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and underwent several surgeries before being discharged after a week of recovery.
Police appeal
Police released CCTV footage showing the masked men riding through Melbourne suburbs on the boy's bike, valued at around $10,000 (£7,400). Knox CIU senior sergeant Samuel Beard said the unit was committed to tracking down the two attackers. "The sheer and immediate violence in the attack is just reprehensible," he added. "It's absolutely disgusting. Any small piece of information might be the final piece of the puzzle we need."
Anyone who witnessed the attack or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
