‘Mass stabbing’: Teens warned to avoid Victoria Park, Ballarat amid reports of bloody knife fight

Police have issued a warning to teenagers to avoid a Ballarat park on Saturday night as rumours of a vicious knife fight circulate online.

Police have issued a warning to avoid Victoria Park in Ballarat amid reports of a planned vicious knife fight. Picture: Stock

Teenagers have been warned to avoid a potentially violent and bloody gathering in a park at Ballarat on Saturday night.

Police will be out in force after several schools told students they should “not attend” Victoria Park on Gillies St as warnings over a “mass stabbing” circulate on social media.

It is understood local teenagers have, in the past week, been promoting a vicious knife fight at the park and have encouraged others to attend.

One social media account told users to “share around” the meeting location, which they claim had changed from a skatepark in Sebastopol to Victoria Park from 7.30pm.

Another account said “knives must be at least 150mm long” or attendees would be “refused entry otherwise”.

Schools have warned teenagers to avoid a Ballarat park over fears of a violent stabbing on Saturday. Picture: Supplied.

Police issued a warning to avoid the park after the event was promoted online. Picture: Supplied

Ballarat Specialist School, among several others, said parents should attempt to keep their children away from the area on Saturday evening.

“We wish to advise you of some concerns we have about large gatherings,” the letter to parents read.

“We have been advised by the Ballarat Police that currently, on social media, a large gathering of youth from across Ballarat is being promoted for Saturday night in Victoria Park.

“The police actively discourage any of our leavers, or members of the community from attending this gathering as there are always concerns for the safety of people attending.

“Please speak with your young person and recommend they not attend this gathering for safety reasons.”

Reports of a planned ‘mass stabbing’ are circulating online. Picture: Supplied

Local police said there would be a heavy presence and were ready to disrupt any unruly behaviour.

“Police are aware of a planned gathering at a park on Gillies Street in Ballarat on 16 November,” a statement read.

“Police will have a presence in the area and any unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated.”

One concerned parent, who received the warning notice this week, said it was “sad” that teenagers had begun promoting violence online.

“Kids can’t go out safely anymore,” she said.

“I remember my older kids would ride bikes and go to mates’ houses now they get stabbed, it’s sad.

“I wouldn’t even walk around alone at night (now). Parents really need to watch what their kids are actually doing.”