Authorities claim a 16-year-old boy attacked a childcare worker en route to her job at the M-City Shopping Centre in Clayton shortly before 8 a.m. yesterday.

Surveillance footage captures the 25-year-old woman from Mount Waverley as she traverses the shopping center. A male figure emerges discreetly from behind a wall, trailing her onto an escalator.

Positioned behind her, the individual allegedly draws a knife from his pocket and assaults her from behind.

After the attack, he purportedly fled, sprinting down the escalator and out of sight.

The woman, initially appearing bewildered, turned to look before hurrying up the escalator.

She is currently in serious but stable condition, receiving treatment at The Alfred hospital.

The 16-year-old boy was arrested a short time later at a medical centre in Clayton.

He has been charged with intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury, assault with a weapon, possessing a controlled weapon, theft and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail.

He has been remanded to appear at a children’s court at a later date.

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