Authorities are on the lookout for a group reportedly wielding machetes following the stabbing of a teenager near a rugby event in Melbourne.
The victim, a 19-year-old male, was discovered with stab wounds to his torso at the intersection of Kitchener and Goulburn Streets in Broadmeadows, located in the northern part of the city, around 9:35 p.m. last night.
He was swiftly transported to a hospital where he received treatment for serious injuries. His condition has since stabilized.
Earlier in the evening, police had responded to reports of a fight at a community NRL event held at Seabrook Reserve. Investigators are currently examining whether there is a connection between the brawl and the subsequent stabbing.
According to allegations, a sizable group of teenagers, some armed with machetes, were involved in the altercation at the event around 9:30 p.m.
Eyewitnesses informed law enforcement that several individuals in the group were seen carrying machetes.
They have been described as all being aged in their late teens.
The group left the scene before police arrived.
Around 1000 people, including families with young children, were at the sporting event.
Detective Sergeant Matthew Feben told media it was an “appalling” to have weapons at a family event.
“It is completely unacceptable in any location for youths or anyone to be armed with a machete, especially being related to a peaceful community event,” Feben said.
“These are people just trying to go about an event in their community, they want to feel safe.
“They don’t want to experience this, they are no doubt feeling now in fear and distress.”
There had been an increased police presence at the event following a similar incident on Friday, police said.
Police are now asking any witnesses to come forward to help identify the group.
It is believed the teenagers involved in the alleged brawl left in a car heading towards Kitchener Street in Broadmeadows.
