Northland Shopping Centre in Preston, Melbourne’s north, was plunged into lockdown this afternoon following a violent altercation involving machete-wielding youths.
Shoppers were forced to take cover inside stores as chaos unfolded in the centre, with multiple eyewitnesses reporting a fight involving large knives. Several 3AW listeners called in from inside the centre, describing a tense and frightening scene.
Victoria Police confirmed they are responding to “numerous people fighting” at the centre on Murray Road. Emergency services, including police and paramedics, swiftly arrived at the scene. As of now, there are unconfirmed reports of a stabbing, but no official details on injuries have been released.
Videos circulating on social media — yet to be verified — appear to show a man lunging with a large blade at two others, and police detaining an individual while panicked shoppers shelter inside stores.
The shopping centre remains in lockdown while investigations continue. Authorities are expected to release further information shortly.
