Home Australia Gang violence fears rock Melbourne after two teenage boys are SHOT in a ‘targeted attack’  – and one is fighting for his life in hospital

Gang violence fears rock Melbourne after two teenage boys are SHOT in a ‘targeted attack’  – and one is fighting for his life in hospital

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Two teenagers were shot just after midnight on Friday near the Melbourne housing estate in Collingwood at the intersection of Vere St and Campbell St.

A 17-year-old boy is fighting for his life in hospital as police investigate whether overnight shootings in Melbourne are gang-related and linked to previous murders.

The teenager and a 15-year-old boy were shot just after midnight on Friday near the Collingwood public housing development at the intersection of Vere St and Campbell St.

The older boy remains in hospital in a serious condition, while the 15-year-old checked into hospital following the incidents which occurred near the bustling Smith and Brunswick St precincts.

Victoria Police swarmed the scene after reports of up to 50 people were believed to be fighting before shootings that investigators say were linked.

Detectives also believe several subsequent incidents linked to the shootings spilled over to “very busy” Hoddle St.

Victoria Police State Squad Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly said most people fled the scene when officers arrived and the armed crime team is investigating the shootings.

“It’s very fortunate that the 17-year-old is still alive,” Supt Kelly said.

‘We are treating this as a targeted attack, we believe up to 50 people were present, they knew each other.

Two teenagers were shot just after midnight on Friday near the Melbourne housing estate in Collingwood at the intersection of Vere St and Campbell St.

Victoria Police swarmed the scene after reports of up to 50 people were believed to be fighting before the shootings that investigators said were linked.

Victoria Police swarmed the scene after reports of up to 50 people were believed to be fighting before the shootings that investigators said were linked.

The older boy remains in hospital in a serious condition, while the 15-year-old player checked into hospital after the incidents.

The older boy remains in hospital in a serious condition, while the 15-year-old player checked into hospital after the incidents.

‘The specific motivation has not yet been established and remains unclear (but) Armed Crime Squad investigators will keep an open mind.

‘The incident is very worrying… We have two young children… filmed on a public street in Melbourne…

‘It is certainly of great concern to Victoria Police and we will leave no stone unturned to investigate this matter.

“It’s certainly worrying when a firearm is used in a public place… it’s really just luck that has kept two people from killing him and the fact that the homicide squad isn’t involved… it’s pure luck …

Supt Kelly said police officers from Task Force Viper have been deployed to the scene and local police will continue to conduct ongoing “assurance patrols” in the area.

The investigation is ongoing, but Supt Kelly promised police will soon make arrests.

“We ask that people introduce themselves before we come knocking on their doors…” he said.

Victoria state anti-gang squad detective superintendent Jason Kelly said the armed crime team is investigating the shootings.

Victoria state anti-gang squad detective superintendent Jason Kelly said the armed crime team is investigating the shootings.

Supt Kelly did not rule out the possibility that the shootings were a hoax, nor any possible links to recent murders in Wyndham Vale and North Melbourne. (Photo: blood found at the scene)

Supt Kelly did not rule out the possibility that the shootings were a hoax, nor any possible links to recent murders in Wyndham Vale and North Melbourne. (Photo: blood found at the scene)

‘It is too early to say at this stage (whether the shootings are gang-related), but one avenue of investigation we will keep open is whether it is gang-related.

“If there are any recent conflicts that have occurred, often these incidents occur when other incidents have occurred.”

Supt Kelly did not rule out the possibility that the shootings were a hoax, nor any possible links to recent suspected gang murders in Wyndham Vale and North Melbourne.

“When we have children shot and potentially other children shot, Victoria Police will leave no stone unturned…” he said

‘This is an extremely worrying incident and we will continue to investigate and get to the bottom of this matter. It’s just unacceptable.

‘We suspect that the large group that had gathered there were known to each other.

‘The circumstances surrounding why these two young men were shot remain to be determined. We are still working through consultations and at this stage.

‘It’s too early to say what the links are, but we’ll get to the bottom of this. These criminals will be arrested, held in custody and presented to court.

‘It can only be described as a horrible incident. We will continue to pursue those responsible.

Police are still working to establish the specific firearm or firearms, but a ballistics team is currently investigating at the scene.

Police are still working to establish the specific firearm or firearms, but a ballistics team is currently investigating at the scene.

The overnight shootings come less than a fortnight after Lino Atem, 24, was ambushed by at least a dozen men and beaten to death with a machete in Wyndham Vale on January 13

The overnight shootings come less than a fortnight after Lino Atem, 24, was ambushed by at least a dozen men and beaten to death with a machete in Wyndham Vale on January 13

Supt Kelly said police were still working to establish the specific firearm or firearms, but that a ballistics team is currently investigating at the scene.

The overnight shootings come less than a fortnight after Lino Atem, 24, was ambushed by at least a dozen men and beaten to death with a machete in Wyndham Vale on January 13.

Young Tradie suffered stab wounds and died just 100 meters from his home.

Two men were also injured in the attack, including Lino Mading’s brother, 27, who was taken to hospital.

The alleged attackers remain on the run and police believe the ‘vicious’ attack also appeared to be targeted.

Tragedy tops the family mourning Lino’s older brother Atem, who was shot dead at the family’s Wyndham Vale home in February 2023.

No arrests have been made in the murders of Atem, 29, and a friend who was in the house at the time.

In November, aspiring rapper Pal Bidong was shot to death in the street after a Halloween rave, sparking a violent fight in the middle of the night.

In November, aspiring rapper Pal Bidong was shot to death in the street after a Halloween rave, sparking a violent fight in the middle of the night.

In November, aspiring rapper Pal Bidong was shot to death in the street after a Halloween rave, sparking a violent fight in the middle of the night.

Bidong, who went by the rap name 'Peezy', was found by members of the public with at least one gunshot wound on the footpath on Langford Street in North Melbourne

Bidong, who went by the rap name ‘Peezy’, was found by members of the public with at least one gunshot wound on the footpath on Langford Street in North Melbourne

Members of the public found Mr Bidong, who went by the rap name ‘Peezey’, with at least one gunshot wound on the footpath on Langford Street in North Melbourne about 3.15am on November 2.

Mr. Bidong’s murder is believed to have been a gang-related execution.

It is understood that a huge fight broke out between partygoers after Bidong was fatally shot.

Investigators investigated the crime scene around the industrial area, which is near a train line, a major highway and a creek.

The alleged gunman is still on the run.

Any witnesses, or anyone with images or information about the overnight shootings, are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.

(Tagstotranslate) DailyMail (T) News (T) Melbourne

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