A “TARGETED” machete fight in a mall has left one person fighting for their life and plunged the entire shopping centre into lockdown.
There were reportedly 10 individuals involved in a violent altercation at Northland Shopping Centre, including a teenager aged 15. Some of those individuals were seen brandishing knives during the altercation, which was described as “absolutely frightening.”
Horrified shoppers watched on as the men, most donned in black outfits, took violent jabs at each other in Melbourne, Australia.
The fighting reportedly broke out in the mall’s food court.
Shocking images showed a man carrying a massive machete, about the length of his own arm, and threatening another two people with it.
Customers at the mall told of the “chaos” and “confusion” which ensued as the attack sent the whole centre into lockdown.
It is unclear if the man who was rushed to hospital was struck by this huge sword or not.
Emergency services were called to the mall on Murray Road in Preston shortly after 2.30pm following reports of opposing groups fighting.
Local police confirmed that one man in his 20s had been rushed to hospital and was in a critical condition – but he is now stable.
Two men have also been arrested and are currently being questioned.
The shopping centre remained in lockdown while police quizzed the men and investigated the ordeal.
Cops believe the two warring parties were known to each other, and that the fight may have been organised.
Authorities are currently looking into the details surrounding the incident. Initial assessments suggest that the altercation was not random but rather targeted, with the parties involved likely being acquainted with each other.
The lockdown sparked chaos at the busy mall, as they speculated what exactly was going on in the mall at the time of the attack.
Images showed armed cops rushing around the scene, with police cars and helicopters up above.
Local MP Evan Mulholland called on locals to avoid the area in a social media post shortly before 4pm.
He said: “Avoid the area. Police operation is ongoing.
“Several offenders spotted machetes.”
He added: “Our shopping centres should be a safe place for families.
“Northland in particular is a destination for many families in the north, I was there with my own family yesterday.”
Victoria policewoman Kelly Lawson said the attack was “disgraceful” and described the fight as “absolutely frightening” for bystanders.
Lawson, a spokesperson, emphasized that the incident was not a spontaneous occurrence but rather a planned meeting of a specific group. He aimed to reassure the community about the nature of the event that took place at the shopping center.
Cops added that the fight may have been an act of retaliation by one of the groups.
They managed to arrest one person within six minutes of receiving the initial report
Lawson also praised the actions of shop workers who protected and comforted those locked down in stores during the horror brawl.
