Police arrest eight after CBD stabbings

Gang Crime Squad detectives arrested eight people earlier this week as part of their investigation into a knife stab in Melbourne’s CBD earlier this week.

The warrants were exercised this morning from 6 a.m. on 11 properties in Dandenong, Langwarrin, Pakenham, Berwick, Dandenong North, Cranbourne, Clyde North and Doveton.

Police from the Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit, Melbourne Embona Taskforce, Melbourne Divisional Response Unit, Casey Crime Investigation Unit, Southern Metro Division 3 Frontline Tactical Unit and Southern Metro Regional Crime Team were also involved in operations that morning.

Those arrested include:

• A 19-year-old Langwarrin man;

• An 18-year-old man from Dandenong North;

• A 20 year old Cranbourne man;

• An 18-year-old Clyde North man;

• An 18-year-old man from Dandenong North;

• A 19-year-old Dandenong man;

• An 18 year old Doveton man; and

• A 16 year old Pakenham boy.

The men are now all being interviewed by the police and a number of serious criminal charges are expected to be filed today.

The arrests follow an incident in which six people were stabbed to death on a property on Spencer Street on Monday March 8th.

The police were stopped by a 19-year-old man from Dandenong North who went to Southern Cross Station at around 2:20 a.m.

Police discovered he was at a party in a short term rental when a fight broke out and he suffered multiple stab wounds to the upper body.

A number of other men suffered non-life-threatening stab wounds, including a 19-year-old Langwarrin man and a 20-year-old Berwick man.

They presented at a nearby hospital around 3:50 a.m.

Two 17-year-olds from Truganina and a 17-year-old from South Melbourne were treated with non-life-threatening stab wounds at a hospital in Werribee.

It has since been determined that three people who presented themselves at a Fitzroy Hospital around 2:45 a.m. that morning were not involved in the incident.

The investigation into the matter is still ongoing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Quotes from Commander Mick Frewen, Crime Command:

“Today’s arrests are a great result and show the community that we will do all we can to hold those involved in these types of violent incidents accountable.

“We know that such an incident is of great public concern, especially in the CBD space, where many people travel regularly and expect to be safe.

“However, today’s arrests underscore the determination of both the Gang Crime Squad and the regional police to ensure that those involved are arrested and ultimately brought to justice.

“It should also send a strong message that violent violations of this nature will not be tolerated.”

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