By Ashleigh McMillan
Homicide squad detectives have arrested a 15-year-old boy over the stabbing death of another teen at a shopping centre in Melbourne’s north-west on Tuesday morning.
Police and paramedics were called to an outdoor food court at Woodgrove shopping centre, in High Street, Melton West, just before noon.
The scene of the stabbing. Credit: Nine News
A 16-year-old Harkness boy was found with life-threatening injuries. Emergency workers began CPR, but he died at the scene.
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and will be interviewed by detectives.
Police believe there may have been a fight before the stabbing.
Detective Senior Sergeant Nigel L’Estrange said on Tuesday afternoon that it was likely the pair knew each other.
“This is an absolutely tragic and senseless act that’s occurred here on school holidays, in an area where there’s going to be lots of kids attending,” he told Nine News.
A police spokeswoman said the circumstances of the teenager’s death were still being investigated.
A witness, Steve, told radio station 3AW that several police cars had converged on the shopping centre after the stabbing.
“The food court where it’s happened just outside of, it’s still open and there’s people oblivious to it,” he said.
Homicide squad detectives at the shopping centre.Credit: Nine News
“There’s police tape up around the toilets, which is right next to the children’s playground.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to make a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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