Three teenage girls have been taken into custody and charged following an alleged armed robbery at a shopping center located in south-east Melbourne.

The young suspects purportedly approached a 34-year-old woman at the Overland Drive center in Narre Warren around 5:20 pm yesterday, armed with a knife and a hammer, and demanded her car keys.

Although the woman initially refused to comply, one of the teenagers is alleged to have forcibly taken the keys from her hand.

A witness to the incident attempted to follow the girls but was also reportedly threatened by them.

Police were promptly alerted and arrived at the scene, successfully apprehending the trio outside the shopping center.

Two of the girls, both aged 15, now face charges of armed robbery and theft.

One of them was also charged with possess controlled weapon and other offences.

The other girl, aged 16, has been released pending further enquires.

The two 15-year-olds have been remanded to appear at a children’s court at a later date.

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