Teens charged after alleged brawl with machetes, axe at shopping centre

Two teenagers have been charged after an alleged terrifying and bloody brawl at a shopping centre in Melbourne's western suburbs.

The incident unfolded at Woodgrove Shopping Centre in Melton about 5pm yesterday.

9News has seen footage of two teenage boys fighting each other with knives, machetes and an axe in front of a children's play area.

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Witnesses were seen throwing chairs at the boys in an attempt to stop them from fighting before they fled the scene.

Police said they received reports of a group of males "armed with edged weapons" fighting at the shopping centre.

Two teenage boys were arrested earlier this morning and have since been charged.

A 15-year-old from Melton South was charged with affray, possess controlled weapon and being armed with criminal intent and will then be directly presented to a children's court.

A 16-year-old from Harkness was charged with affray, possess prohibited weapon and being armed with criminal intent.

A third boy, a 15-year-old from Weir Views, was taken to hospital with head injuries and will be interviewed once he is released.

9News understands he could also face charges.

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Woodgrove Shopping Centre Manager Kylie Robertson said her security staff, who patrol the centre 24 hours a day and seven days a week, responded rapidly to the incident.

"We are grateful no customers, retailers or security were harmed and we continue to assist authorities with their investigation," she said.

"The safety and wellbeing of our entire Woodgrove community is always our overriding concern and something we take very seriously."

The centre has upped security in the wake of the alleged incident.

"To provide our community with some assurance and additional comfort following the tragic events that occurred at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday, we have already deployed additional security staff on site and have worked with Local Area Police in Melton to support a heightened level of security across the local area," Robertson said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.