Four young people have been charged after an alleged machete brawl near Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station left two people with serious injuries early on Sunday morning.
Victoria Police said six people aged between 16 and 23 were arrested following the incident at the intersection of Elizabeth and Flinders streets in the city’s central business district. Four were subsequently charged, while the investigation remains active.
Verbal dispute allegedly escalated
According to police, the confrontation began at about 5am after a verbal dispute between two females. Other people in their respective groups then became involved and the situation escalated.
Police allege a male armed with a machete chased two males and slashed both of them. One suffered a serious injury to his hand and the other sustained a serious injury to his arm.
The location is one of Melbourne’s busiest transport and nightlife precincts, directly outside Flinders Street Station and close to the intersection with Elizabeth Street. The early-morning timing meant the incident occurred as overnight activity in the CBD was continuing and the city’s transport network was beginning another day of operations.
Four charged after six arrests
A 17-year-old boy from the Brimbank area faces the most serious allegations. Police charged him with intentionally causing injury in circumstances of gross violence, affray, possessing a prohibited weapon and drug possession.
A 19-year-old Bacchus Marsh man and a 16-year-old girl from the Banyule area were each charged with affray. A 23-year-old Laverton man was charged with theft.
Police said all four people who were charged had been on bail at the time of the alleged incident. They also face a charge of committing an indictable offence while on bail.
The 16-year-old girl and 23-year-old man were granted bail and are due to appear in court at a later date. Police did not disclose their scheduled court dates in the initial public account of the case.
Two others not charged over the brawl
Of the two other people arrested, police said a 17-year-old girl received a caution for possessing drugs. Another young woman was released without charge.
The charges are allegations and have not been tested in court. The accused are entitled to the presumption of innocence, and the courts will determine the evidence and any criminal responsibility.
Because several of those involved are under 18, legal restrictions generally limit the identification of children accused of offences. Police described the teenagers by age and broad home area rather than publishing their names.
Police appeal for witnesses
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the confrontation, including how the initial dispute developed and the actions of those present.
Police have asked witnesses, or anyone with information that may assist the investigation, to come forward. People who were in the Flinders and Elizabeth streets area around 5am may hold relevant observations or recordings from mobile phones or vehicle cameras.
The case now moves into the court process for those charged while detectives continue gathering evidence. Further details, including hearing dates and any changes to the charges, may emerge as the proceedings progress.
