A mall in Preston, Melbourne, was said to have been locked down on Sunday after reports of a man charging with a machete were made. Although The daily Guardian cannot confirm the authenticity of the photos that are being shared on social media, the incident sent shoppers into panic and alarming videos of individuals running from the scene in terror were captured on camera.
Take a look at the photo:
man charging with a machete
Reports of Multiple Stabbings
According to 7News Melbourne, a fight allegedly broke out among a group of about 10 teenagers, with at least one individual believed to be armed with a machete. The outlet reported that four people were stabbed during the brawl.
Victoria Police moved quickly, and officers and ambulances attended to the area. ABC reported that a man in his 20s is receiving treatment for severe upper body injuries but is now stable.
Police Response and Arrests
Two men were taken into custody in relation to the incident, ABC reported. Footage aired on Australian media featured a man being held down by police and led off in handcuffs.
While police have not yet officially stated if a machete or big knife was used, they did confirm that the shopping complex on Murray Road in Preston had been shut down. According to a Victoria Police spokesperson,
“Police are responding to reports of several people fighting at a shopping centre on Murray Road in Preston this afternoon.”
Eyewitness Accounts Highlight Panic
One of the customers, Michael Pavlou, explained to The Guardian that though he didn’t see any physical fight, he heard people announcing that somebody had a machete, which brought about a wave of fear.
“There was confusion. There was definitely panic. Everyone was trying to get out. The car park became gridlock. Once we got out, we heard sirens and a helicopter,” he explained.
Videos posted on social media depict the pandemonium, with frightened customers fleeing in every direction as emergency personnel arrived on the scene.
