Teen arrested as investigation continues into New Year’s Eve Carlton stabbings

Police have arrested a fourth teenager as part of their investigation into the violent New Year’s Eve machete attack that left two young men seriously injured in Carlton.

Detectives from the Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit and the Gang Crime Squad confirmed that a 17-year-old boy from the Melbourne area self-presented to a police station on the morning of February 17, following a public appeal for information earlier this month.

The teenager was interviewed by investigators and later released pending further enquiries.

The arrest relates to the attack that unfolded shortly before midnight on December 31, when emergency services were called to Lygon St near the intersection of Argyle Place about 11.33pm.

Police will allege that a group of males armed with knives and machetes set upon two men outside a restaurant before fleeing the scene in vehicles.

The victims – a 20-year-old man from Heidelberg West and an 18-year-old from New South Wales – sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital. One of the men suffered stab wounds and a collapsed lung.

The incident, which occurred in the heart of Carlton’s busy dining strip on one of the city’s busiest nights of the year, shocked witnesses and prompted a significant police response.

Three males have already been charged over the attack: a 20-year-old Richmond man, a 21-year-old Fitzroy man and another 17-year-old from the Melbourne area. Two additional men – aged 19 and 21 from Carlton and Reservoir respectively – were previously arrested and released pending further enquiries.

During earlier court proceedings, police alleged the violence was part of an ongoing youth gang rivalry and described the confrontation as a coordinated assault involving up to 10 males.

Detectives now believe the attack was targeted and that the parties involved were known to each other.

The February 17 arrest follows a renewed appeal for public assistance on February 4, when investigators released images and sought information about a vehicle believed to be linked to the incident.

The 17-year-old’s decision to present himself to police comes as forensic testing and phone data analysis continue in relation to those already charged.

Victoria Police say the investigation remains active and further arrests have not been ruled out.

Anyone with information about the incident, or who recognises individuals involved, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report online.