An 18-year-old girl was stabbed six times during a brawl at a reserve in Melbourne’s west, after allegedly being dragged by her hair, punched and kicked by a group of people.
The teenager and a 20-year-old friend had been meeting people at Robert Bruce Reserve on Gould Street, Deer Park, at about 7.15pm on Wednesday when the violence broke out.
Victoria Police said the two groups were known to each other and may have arranged the meeting after an online dispute.
Mobile phone footage appears to show at least a dozen youths fleeing the park as the attack unfolded. The 18-year-old can be seen being pulled to the ground, punched and stomped on, while people shout: “Kill, kill, kill.”
Several people also appear to be carrying knives. Police said the brawl spilled from the reserve into Gould Street, Newbury Street and Neal Road.
Detective Acting Sergeant Ali Samie said the footage was distressing to watch, describing how the victim was kicked in the head while on all fours before one alleged offender jumped on her head.
“One millimetre in the wrong direction, we could be talking about a homicide,” he said.
The teenager was taken to hospital with serious injuries after suffering six stab wounds to her upper body. Her friend was also hurt but did not require medical treatment.
Several knives were found discarded in bushes near the scene the following morning, including a large kitchen knife with what appeared to be blood on its handle.
Police said they had identified the victim and that inquiries were continuing. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
