Families and community members attending a Christmas carols event in Melbourne’s south-east were left shocked after teenagers, allegedly armed with machetes, clashed with police last night.
The Bayside Christmas Carols in the Park was held at Dendy Park in Brighton East yesterday when the teenagers allegedly armed with machetes began to fight just after 8.30pm.
Victorian MP James Newbury said the teens were chased by police before being arrested.
“Thousands attended Bayside Carols in Brighton East last night. Families watched as gangs with machetes arrived and clashed with police,” Newbury said in a social media post.
“A chase followed down Glencairn Ave with offenders dumping machetes over fences as the chase ensued. Police made multiple arrests at the corner of Dacey Street.”
There were no injuries reported.
A Bayside City Council spokesperson said the incident occurred outside the event.
“The incident took place outside the Carols in the Park event boundary and the event was not impacted,” the spokesperson said.
“Council works proactively with Victoria Police and private security to ensure the safety of all attendees at Carols.”
Police have charged a 15-year-old boy and two 16-year-old boys with a number of offences including assault with a weapon, unlawful assault and possessing a controlled weapon.
All three teens have been bailed and will appear at a children’s court at a later date.
