Call for action after two machete attacks in one night on Melbourne corner

Three people have been stabbed and robbed in separate machete attacks in the Melbourne CBD.

The attacks happened just hours apart on the notorious corner of Elizabeth and Flinders streets and traders say they are sick of witnessing violence on their doorstep.

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Footage shows an all-out brawl erupting on Elizabeth Street, with youths armed with machetes unleashing on a 17-year-old boy.

A witness said he was “smashed up and then they walked away” about 10.30pm.

He was robbed as he lay injured on the ground.

A few hours later police were called again to nearby Flinders Street.

This time two men were chased, and their arms and hands were chopped with machetes.

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Investigators say the attack was sparked by a verbal argument between two women.

Local worker Akshit said: “Every weekend there’s a group of youngsters, 15 or 16 fighting among themselves.”

Four people, including two teenagers, were charged. They were allegedly already on bail for other offences.

Traders say Flinders Court has become a notorious hotspot for drug deals, prostitution and youths selling stolen goods.

The latest violence has shone another spotlight on the Elizabeth and Flinders streets precincts, which has seen the closure of Starbucks and recently Coles.

Kirk Pearson from new business Project Zero Coffee called it “a dump”.

“You could be making money but it’s not worth it if you are in danger every day coming to work,” he said.