A 24-year-old man is in critical condition following a machete attack in Footscray. The incident occurred around 9.30pm, when a fight broke out among a group in front of onlookers and diners. CCTV footage revealed the chaos, including a car speeding into the altercation before a man brandished a machete and stabbed the victim multiple times. Witnesses described seeing police swarm the area, which was subsequently closed off to the public.
After the attack, the injured man stumbled onto a pavement and collapsed on a park bench. He was swiftly transported to the Royal Melbourne Hospital for emergency surgery due to life-threatening injuries. It remains unclear whether the involved groups were acquainted or if the attack was premeditated, and thus far, no arrests have been made.
Local residents and business owners expressed frustration over the rising crime and drug activity in Footscray, urging the already overburdened police force to increase patrols, particularly during nighttime hours. Evidence of the violent incident lingered in the vicinity the following morning, highlighting the community’s concerns.