A series of unprovoked stabbings in Melbourne has resulted in one woman being seriously injured, three other individuals hospitalised, and the arrest of a man.
The violent incidents, which police believe to be random and not terror-related, occurred at different locations in the city.
The first reported attack was on a 24-year-old man outside a burger shop on King Street in the CBD around 10pm on Saturday. He sustained a leg injury and was hospitalised.
An hour later, a 31-year-old man and woman were stabbed while walking on Dandenong Road in St Kilda East. Following this, a 31-year-old English national was attacked on Acland Street in St Kilda around 12:30am Sunday, also suffering non-life-threatening leg injuries.
Police are investigating a potential connection to an earlier stabbing of a 28-year-old man at City Road in the CBD, which occurred at 9:20pm on Saturday.
Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Eyries described the attacks as ‘cowardly’, targeting unsuspecting victims.
The alleged assailant, a 31-year-old man from Melton, was arrested at Balaclava Station in South Yarra with a bag containing multiple knives.
The knives used in the attacks are believed to be common kitchen knives.
The suspect is currently in custody, assisting with inquiries. He displayed signs of mental health or substance abuse issues and requires medical assessment before further interrogation.
Police have assured the public there is no further public danger and are not seeking anyone else in connection with these incidents.
Sgt Eyries has called for witnesses, particularly a woman who may have seen the Southbank stabbing but left before speaking to officers.
Image credit: Denise Jans
“…a 31-year-old man from Melton.”
Was he though? Was he FROM Melton? 🤔
Any racial statistics?
For a clearer perspective