Fireworks spark fires, teen stabbed, sword seized amid Melbourne's NYE celebrations
Illegal fireworks have sparked at least three fires in Melbourne's north during New Year's Eve celebrations.
Police were kept busy overnight, receiving more than 280 reports of fireworks-related incidents across Victoria.
In addition to the fireworks, officers responded to a stabbing involving a teenager on the Mornington Peninsula and seized 18 weapons at train stations across the city.
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People on the Yarra waiting for fireworks. Simon Schluter
Teenager stabbed
Two teenage boys have been arrested following a stabbing in Blairgowrie about 5.45pm yesterday.
Police allege the victim was walking along Point Nepean Road when he was approached by a group, including the two boys.
Officers believe one boy allegedly stabbed the victim multiple times before the group fled the scene.
The victim was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Two teenagers were arrested nearby.
A 16-year-old Yarra boy was charged with intentionally causing injury and was bailed to appear at a children's court at a later date.
The second 16-year-old boy was released pending further enquiries.
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Weapons seized
Police were out in force patrolling Melbourne's streets and train stations as hundreds of thousands of revellers enjoyed the fireworks displays.
In the CBD, about 14 people were arrested and 18 weapons were seized at train stations.
Police also seized five knives from a man in St Kilda, who was found to be in possession of drugs.
The seized weapons included hunting knives, scissors, imitation firearms, swords and a machete.
Meanwhile, there were about 52 assault-related incidents reported.
A man died after a fireworks incident in Melbourne's outer suburbs last week. Nine
Illegal fireworks
Officers also seized a number of illegal fireworks, including two large plastic containers found at Safety Beach on the Mornington Peninsula.
A man is expected to be interviewed in the coming days by police.
Police said it was "disappointing" to see a significant number of fire-related incidents, including several fires.
Officers discovered the first fire after they were called to the corner of Bindi Street in Glenroy about 4.30pm.
Upon arrival, officers found remnants of a firework at the scene.
Witnesses in Kurunjang, in the city's west, reported the second fire in a paddock on Minns Road about 9pm.
Police have been told four people on motorbikes set off fireworks in the paddock, before fleeing the scene.
Firefighters contained the fire quickly.
Police said the last fire was reported by residents in Greenvale, who reportedly heard fireworks in the area shortly before a fire was discovered near Darmain Drive just after 10pm.
Police said the last fire was reported by residents in Greenvale, who heard fireworks in the area shortly before a fire was discovered near Darmain Drive just after 10pm.
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Detectives are investigating all three fires, which come just a week after a 19-year-old man was killed in an incident involving fireworks in Kalkallo.
Police have since urged people to refrain from using illegal fireworks, warning that they could easily lead to an "out-of-control fire" or the death or serious injury of another person.
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