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A violent chaos erupted between two groups of rivals in Preston, Melbourne, prompting a large police response and shutdown on Sunday afternoon. The incident, which occurred about 2:30 PM (local time), involved around 10 people, some of whom were said to have used knives and machetes, local media reported. Northland Shopping Centre in Preston, one of the key retail centres in Melbourne's north, was shut down on Sunday afternoon after the stabbing incident that triggered mass panic among shoppers.

Victoria Police said to the local media that authorities received reports of “numerous people fighting” inside the shopping centre, located on Murray Road in Preston, around 2.35 pm. A young man received serious injuries to his upper body and was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital, where he is now stable. Three others were treated for anxiety after the violent scenes. Customers reported scenes of "panic" and "confusion" as the brawl erupted. People were seen running through shops such as Myer and Coles, triggering a mass evacuation, according to witnesses. Videos and photographs posted on social media depict frightened customers fleeing for cover behind shut shop shutters, and one picture appears to show a man holding a large machete. Michael Pavlou, who was with his three-year-old son, described the frightening moment to the media, “As I walked out of Coles, I saw a group running. Someone next to me said, ‘Someone’s got a machete’. I grabbed my son and ran,” he said.

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Superintendent Kelly Lawson stated that police were on the scene within six minutes of the first emergency call. Two males, including a 15-year-old, were arrested and are currently being interviewed by police. Early investigations indicate the assault was planned, and the people involved knew one another. Police suspect the brawl could have been a revenge for an incident on Saturday. Victoria Police also urged people who witnessed the incident or have mobile phone videos to call them without delay. The centre was closed for several hours while forensic carried out tests and spoke to witnesses. Helicopters and emergency services hovered overhead and were parked outside the mall when the incident occurred. Superintendent Lawson confirmed that both groups who engaged are under scrutiny and police are ramping up measures to stop further violence. The management of Northland Shopping Centre has been approached for comment but no official statement has yet been released.

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