Detectives from the Eastern Region Crime Squad have charged five boys following a machete attack in a public toilet block late last year.
On Friday 27 December, a 17-year-old boy was allegedly lured to a reserve in Highett where the assault took place around 7pm.
During the assault, police allege he was the victim of a prolonged assault by five offenders.
He was allegedly slashed with a machete, struck with an extendable baton, and punched, kicked, and stomped on.
The victim suffered significant blood loss due to a large stab wound on his buttock, which led to him being transferred to hospital in a life-threatening condition.
He has since been discharged after an extended period receiving medical attention.
The group had fled the scene before police arrived and despite a thorough search of the area, the offenders were not located at the time.
On Monday 6 January, detectives from the Eastern Region Crime Squad arrested:
• A 16-year-old boy from Monash. He was charged with recklessly cause serious injury in circumstances of gross violence, affray, and two counts of possessing a controlled weapon without excuse. The boy was presented to a childrens court where he was remanded to reappear at a later date.
• A 14-year-old boy from Kingston. He was charged with recklessly cause serious injury in circumstances of gross violence, and affray. The boy was presented to a childrens court where he was bailed to reappear at a later date.
• A 17-year-old boy from Glen Eira. He was charged with recklessly cause serious injury in circumstances of gross violence and affray. The boy was presented to a childrens court where he was bailed to reappear at a later date.
• A 15-year-old boy from Glen Eira. He was charged with recklessly cause serious injury in circumstances of gross violence, affray, possess prohibited weapon, and possess imitation firearm. The boy was presented to a childrens court where he was bailed to reappear at a later date.
The 16-year-old from Monash and 14-year-old from Kingston were both arrested at a shopping centre, directly adjacent to the scene of the original assault. The 16-year-old was found in possession of a large knife in his backpack.
A 15-year-old boy from Whitehorse was also arrested on Tuesday 7 January. He was charged with intentionally cause serious injury in circumstances of gross violence, affray, and possess prohibited weapon.
The boy was presented to a children's court where he was remanded to reappear at a later date.
Police also recovered video evidence from the phones of the accused that allegedly relates to the assault.
Police believe those involved were known parties and had links to a youth gang.
Victoria Police continues to relentlessly pursue, disrupt, and dismantle the state's worst youth gangs as part of Operation Alliance.
In the past year alone, Operation Alliance has led to the arrest of 453 youth gang members a combined 1,757 times. Over 4,550 charges have been laid in relation to these matters.
