Overview
- Masked youths armed with machetes confronted diners outside Vanilla Lounge, with the clash unfolding about 7:45pm Friday in Eaton Mall.
- The attackers stabbed an 18-year-old Malvern East man, who was treated at the scene and taken to The Alfred Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
- A 16-year-old boy was also involved but was not physically hurt, according to police.
- The group fled on foot and remains at large as Monash Crime Investigation Unit leads an active inquiry that includes increased patrols.
- Police say the dispute appears targeted between parties who knew each other, and they are urging witnesses with CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria.