Hunt for up to 10 machete-wielding males after teen stabbed in front of family
Police are stepping up patrols north-west of Melbourne as they hunt for up to 10 machete-wielding males who stabbed a 17-year-old and posted footage of the crime on social media.
The teenager had been dropped off on Riverbend Drive in Darley, near Bacchus Marsh, about 5.50am on Monday when a Ford sedan pulled into the street.
CCTV has been released of multiple people jumping out of the car and chasing the teenager to Hartog Grove, before more youths arrived in a silver Subaru Liberty.
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Investigators have released CCTV of a number of people who may be able to assist police. Victoria Police
Screams and shouts woke nearby residents, with one telling 9News the sounds "freaked" her out.
The teenager was then cornered in a stranger's backyard on Hartog Grove and assaulted and stabbed with machetes by a number of offenders.
The attack occurred in front of a young family.
Acting Inspector Brett Van Der Vliet said the family was "very anxious" and "very concerned about the neighbourhood they live in now".
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The teenager was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Detectives are now searching for up to 10 offenders, who they believe knew the victim.
"The offenders are perceived to be of African appearance," Van Der Vliet.
He said the attack appeared to be targeted.
"We don't have many gang issues here in Bacchus Marsh, per se, and these offenders could be from neighbouring suburbs," he said.
Some of the attackers posted footage of the ambush to social media.
Anyone who witnesses any of the vision is urged to contact police.
The Subaru has been found dumped in Melton but police are calling for help to find the Ford Falcon involved.
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