Teen stabbed in shopping centre food court

A teenage boy has died after he was stabbed in a horrifying incident at a busy Melbourne shopping centre, in what police have described as a “tragic and senseless act”.

The boy was allegedly set upon in the outdoor food court at Woodgrove Shopping Centre on High St in Melton West shortly before midday on Tuesday.

Despite paramedics performing CPR, the 16-year-old Harkness boy died from his injuries at the scene.

Homicide Squad detectives arrested a 15-year-old Melton West boy several hours later. He will now be interviewed.

“It’s believed there may have been an altercation between the victim and another male,” Victoria Police said in a statement.

“The exact circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death are yet to be determined and no arrests have been made at this stage.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Nigel L’Estrange from Victoria Police said the dead boy had been dropped off at the shopping centre by his mother earlier on Tuesday.

“His mother is currently with us at the moment,” L’Estrange said.

“As you can imagine, this is an absolutely tragic and senseless act that has occurred here in school holidays in an area where there’s going to be lots of kids attending and a lot of people around.”

“It’s a senseless act, a young man whose life has been taken away. His family are grieving now.”

Woodgrove Shopping Centre Manager Kylie Robertson told NewsWire management were supporting police with its investigation.

“The centre’s incident management procedures were activated in a coordinated manner, with the scene secured and immediate first aid administered,” Ms Robertson said.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with the victim’s family and all those impacted by today’s events.

“Additional security personnel have been deployed on site and are continuing work with police to support a heightened level of security across the local area.

“As this is an ongoing police investigation, and out of respect for those involved, no further comment will be made at this time.”

A crime scene has been established and shoppers were told to leave the area.

“There has to be 25 police cars and choppers up in the sky,” a witness told 3AW.

Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers.