A group of boys armed with machetes have thrown a Melbourne shopping centre into lockdown, just weeks after a similar incident prompted a statewide ban on the edged weapon.
Victoria Police said five to six armed males were arguing with each other inside CS Square in Caroline Springs about 6:40pm on Friday.
The shopping centre was placed under lockdown until police arrived.
The group fled the scene and remains on the run. No injuries were reported.
Police are continuing to investigate and urge witnesses or anyone with video to contact Crime Stoppers.
Less than two weeks ago, an alleged premeditated fight between rival gangs armed with machetes sent the Northland Shopping Centre in Preston into lockdown on May 25.
Footage from inside the centre depicted chaotic scenes as shoppers screamed and ran.
Seven males, aged between 15 and 21, have been charged over the incident and remain before the courts.
In response to that incident, Premier Jacinta Allan introduced an immediate and nation-leading ban on the sale of all machetes in Victoria until September 1.
Possessing a machete is still legal until legislation criminalising the sale and possession of machetes comes into effect after the ban expires.
Anyone caught with a machete will face a penalty of a fine of more than $47,000 and two years’ imprisonment.
“In Victoria, community safety comes first. We must never let places we meet become places we fear,” Allan said.
“I hate these knives, and I will keep introducing as many laws as it takes to get them off our streets, out of our shops and out of our lives.”
