Teen traumatised after Westgate Park rave stabbing

A traumatised teen has revealed a Port Melbourne rave intended as a night of fun became a nightmare when she was slashed and stabbed. WARNING: Graphic images

A teenager was stabbed at a Westgate Park rave. Picture: Tony Gough

A traumatised teenager says a night of fun turned into a nightmare after she was stabbed five times at a rowdy rave in Port Melbourne.

Azalia Hanton, 17, was at gathering at Westgate Park when she was targeted by an unknown female about 1am on Sunday.

It’s believed Ms Hanton was defending a friend when the offender pushed her to the ground and violently stabbed her.

“It started off as a good night but shortly turned into a nightmare,” she said on a GoFundMe page.

“A girl who was unknown to me was attacking another female, who I thought was my friend.

Azalia Hanton in hospital.

Her ear was slashed during the attack.

“I ran over and pushed her off the girl that was on the ground to make sure she was OK and this girl turned on me.

“She got me on the ground and stabbed me five times.”

Ms Hanton was rushed to hospital and underwent surgery after suffering from serious injuries to her back, chest and arms.

The student’s ear was also slashed during the attack.

“These scars will be with me forever,” she said.

“This was honestly such a traumatic experience but I am just so happy to be alive.”

A reveller told the Herald Sun that organisers were arranging to have security at future raves.

“They’re adamant no underage people should attend and absolutely no weapons,” she said.

“This hasn’t happened before … it’s sh-- that one person has ruined it now for so many people.”

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said about 300 people attended the gathering.

“The unknown female is perceived to be caucasian in appearance and in her teens,” she said.

“She had blonde hair with dark regrowth and was wearing a dark coloured dress.”

The investigation into the attack remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.