Melton teen stabbed at train station

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A 17-year-old from Cobblebank has been stabbed at Melton station.

It is believed the victim was approached by a group of people and then slashed on the hand by a machete after a fight erupted.

Detectives from the Transit Crime Investigation Unit are investigating the incident, which occurred just after 5pm on Tuesday September 17.

The teen has been taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the offenders fled on foot.

A 24-year-old Brookfield man was arrested a short time later but released pending further inquiries.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated but police are treating it as an affray.

This is a charge often preferred by police and prosecutors when they believe they are unable to prove an assault.

The stabbing took place as police began Operation Cavalcade on Monday. Locals can expect to see Protective Services Officers and transit police conduct ‘highly visible’ patrols of Melton station.

Les Twentyman Foundation general manager of programs Chris Lacey said eliminating youth knife crime came down to early intervention and prevention programs in schools.

“You cannot save every child, however with the right support and early and positive intervention that leads to the child making positive decisions in their own life, you can greatly limit the number of children who make the decision to take a tragic and dangerous path.”