Police have vowed to step up patrols of Woodgrove Shopping Centre after a teen was fatally stabbed there on Tuesday, September 24.
Oscar Hamilton, 16, from Harkness, died from injuries sustained the knife attack.
Oscar was stabbed just before noon, with emergency services arriving within minutes of the incident
He was found in a critical condition in the outdoor food court, and despite efforts to revive him through CPR, he died at the scene.
On Tuesday night, police arrested a 15-year-old Melton West boy and later charged him with murder.
Appearing in court on Wednesday, September 25, the boy wiped tears from his face.
He has been remanded to a committal mention in January and did not apply for bail.
His lawyer told the magistrate it was the 15-year-old’s first time in custody and he needed to be assessed by a nurse.
Superintendent Michael Cruse said the incident was “beyond devastating.”
“These incidents impact the entire community,” he said.
Mr Cruse said locals can expect to see an increase in police in the area in addition to an ongoing operation.
“We completely understand the concern felt, especially by parents … we have boosted both foot and vehicle patrols of Woodgrove Shopping Centre and surrounds,” he said.
“These patrols are in addition to Operation Cavalcade units, which have been tasked to the Brimbank and Melton area every day since September 16.
“This highly visible presence will continue throughout the entire school holiday period.”
Woodgrove Shopping Centre manager Kylie Robertson said the centre’s dedicated security team worked closely with police and would remain vigilant.
“Additional security personnel have been deployed on site and are continuing work with police to support a heightened level of security across the local area,” she said.
“The centre’s incident management procedures were activated in a coordinated manner, with the scene secured and immediate first aid administered.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the victim’s family and all those impacted by [Tuesday’s] events.”
Counselling and support services will be offered to staff and retailers.
– With AAP
