Mourners farewell 'larger than life' 12-year-old boy killed in alleged machete attack

A 12-year-old boy who was allegedly murdered in Melbourne's west earlier this month has been farewelled at a memorial service.

Family and friends gathered at St Mary's Anglican Church in Sunbury today to honour Chol Achiek, who's described as kind, creative and larger than life.

Chol was returning home from basketball training with his 15-year-old friend Dau Akueng in Cobblebank on September 6 when they were allegedly killed in a machete attack.

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During the memorial service, treasured memories of Chol were projected onto the church walls in a series of photos which chronicled the 12-year-old's life.

Mourners were told Chol had a big personality, made others smile and dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player.

The community was left reeling in the wake of the boys' deaths and tributes remain at the spots where both of the boys died.

Three teenagers have been charged with the murder of Chol, including a 19-year-old Caroline Springs man, an 18-year-old Wollert man and a 16-year-old boy.

Five teenagers have been charged with the murder of Dau, including a 19-year-old Thornhill man, two 16-year-old boys and two 15-year-old boys.

Police have also increased patrols in the Cobblebank area following the alleged murders.

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