Charges after eight stabbed

THREE youths have been charged after eight people were stabbed by youths armed with knives and machetes who gatecrashed a 16th birthday party in Melbourne's western suburbs.

THREE youths have been charged after eight people were stabbed by youths armed with knives and machetes who gatecrashed a 16th birthday party in Melbourne's western suburbs.

Three teenagers were seriously injured in the brawl late on Friday night, when more than 30 youths descended on the private celebration at the St Albans Saints Soccer Club.

Victorian police described the attack as "unprovoked" and "disgraceful".

On Saturday police charged one youth with intentionally causing serious injury and affray. Last night two other youths, aged 16 and 17, were charged with riot, affray, aggravated burglary and seven counts of intentionally causing serious injury.

Jason Zeine, 15, remains in a stable condition in Royal Melbourne Hospital after he was stabbed twice in the stomach.

His family labelled the boy's attackers "scumbags", saying he was injured after stepping in to defend another teenager.

A 17-year-old boy was discharged from the same hospital after being treated for head injuries, while another 17-year-old is in a stable condition in Footscray Hospital. Four other party-goers received minor injuries and have been discharged from hospital.

Detective Sergeant Stephen Hill said the attack was appalling. "The party was organised with a guest list and had adults present," he said. "This kind of attack is disgraceful."