source : the age
A witness has described how he and others tried to save a man “bleeding everywhere” after he had been stabbed during a brawl on Chapel Street in the early hours of Sunday.
Abz Al, 31, was on a night out in Prahran with friends when he saw a large group of people surrounding a man lying on the ground near the Chatham Street corner, which at the time was busy with revellers enjoying the Easter long weekend.
Abz Al says he and friends tried to help the injured man.Credit: Chris Hopkins
“The guy was on the ground, bleeding everywhere, so we tried to help,” he said.
“I was really worried because the guy was bleeding badly … we took his top off to see where he was bleeding from so we could put pressure on it.”
Emergency services arrived just after 1.30am.
Police said the victim, a 30-year-old man from Mickleham in Melbourne’s north, had been in a fight involving up to six men outside a licensed venue before he was chased and stabbed several times. He was treated by paramedics but died before he reached hospital.
Forensic police combed the scene.Credit: Chris Hopkins
Al said he saw the group of men involved in the stabbing run along Chapel Street towards Commercial Road.
“They should be in jail. They should get locked up because you can’t kill someone, take someone’s life in the middle of the street,” he said.
No arrests or charges have yet been made.
Detective Acting Inspector Chris Ellway said the victim was known to police, but it is not yet known if he had any affiliations with organised crime or gangs.
Detective Acting Inspector Chris Ellway speaks at the scene of the fatal stabbing.Credit: Chris Hopkins
Up to six people were involved in the fight.
“I don’t think it was a random attack … but we’re still trying to work out what the circumstances are,” Ellway said at a press conference on Sunday morning.
Forensic investigators were seen removing a glass bottle from the scene, which police believe was used in the attack. It is unknown whether it was the source of the fatal stab wounds.
Police also seized what looked to be a firearm, which Ellway said was still being analysed to determine whether it was genuine or an imitation.
Police officers at the scene on Chapel Street on Sunday morning.Credit: Chris Hopkins
It took police some time to tape off the crime scene due to the sheer number of people on the street.
“No one wants to see violence when they come out for a good night out with their friends and family,” Ellway said.
“It was a busy time, there was a lot of people walking, and cars driving up and down the street … Police had some difficulties trying to contain what is quite a large scene on a busy street.”
Blood spatter could be seen on the road as forensic investigators combed the scene.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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