'Heartbreaking': Tributes flow for security guard allegedly stabbed to death trying to protect schoolboy

An off-duty security guard who died at a Melbourne train station on Friday night had taken off a stab-proof vest just hours before he was allegedly attacked by machete-wielding teens.

Aidan Becker, 22, was allegedly stabbed to death after intervening to help a 14-year-old who was being robbed by four teenagers.

They have now all been charged with his murder.

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Becker worked as a security guard at The Alfred Hospital, where stab-proof vests are part of the uniform.

His colleague Hubert Sola added to a growing floral tribute at the station today.

"Something needs to be done. Less talking more action," Sola said.

"He took off his vest at the end of his shift and then came to be stabbed without wearing his vest.

"Every community is being affected by this. Something needs to be done."

His friends said they were heartbroken by the loss of their mate who always put others before himself.

"He was the type to go out of his way and do what he did, and that's probably the biggest thing I love about him," his friend JD said.

"It's just heartbreaking - I miss him."

The spot where he died has turned into a shrine to the brave man, with members of the public leaving floral tributes throughout the day.

"It's just every parent's worst nightmare," local resident Rachael Taranto said.

"We really want the family to know we're all thinking of them, and their son is a hero."

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Becker was a local to the area, who loved animals, travelling, and making music.

He worked at the Alfred Hospital, which released a statement this afternoon mourning his death.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of young security officer, Aidan Becker," it said.

"Aidan's colleagues at The Alfred describe him as a dedicated, respected, and much-loved member of our security team.

"He will be remembered for being full of life, and for his positive energy, kindness and dedication. He was a quiet hero who gave his all for those around him."

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A vigil will be held on Friday night to honour Becker.

Two 17-year-olds, a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old were all arrested over the incident by police.

They have all been charged with murder and armed robbery.

The 18-year-old man appeared at Melbourne Magistrates Court yesterday and did not apply for bail.

He will remain behind bars until his next court hearing in June.

State Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said the crime was tragic and shocking, while defending the government's response to rising knife crime in the state.

She said thousands of machetes and other bladed weapons had been confiscated during the state's controversial machete amnesty last year.

"I don't think any efforts to drive down crime are a waste of money," she insisted.

She also said there was a chance the teenagers under 18 could be charged under Victoria's new adult crime, adult time laws, though she could not confirm whether this would be the case in this instance.

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