Northland shopping centre in Preston, Melbourne, was placed under lockdown on Sunday afternoon after a fight broke out between two rival groups, some armed with knives. Police arrested two teenagers, aged 16 and 15, in connection with the incident, which left a man in his 20s with serious upper body injuries.
The man was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious but stable condition. Three others at the shopping centre were treated for anxiety. Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as shoppers fled and took shelter in stores.
Police believe the fight was a planned confrontation between two groups who knew each other, possibly in retaliation for an earlier incident. Superintendent Kelly Lawson described the brawl as 'disgraceful' and reassured the public it was not a random attack.
One machete was recovered at the scene. The two arrested teenagers have been charged with affray, intentionally causing injury, and weapons offences. They have been remanded to appear at a children's court at a later date. Police are seeking to identify eight other individuals believed to have been involved.
Investigators remained at the shopping centre on Sunday night, but it was expected to reopen on Monday. Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
