Cobblebank stabbings: Two boys, aged 12 and 15, fatally stabbed by large gang armed with machetes

Two young boys, aged 12 and 15, have been fatally stabbed in what police describe as a targeted attack in Cobblebank, Victoria on Saturday evening.

Victoria Police Detective Inspector Graham Banks said the investigation is in its early stages but affirmed the stabbings are linked and committed by a large group of masked male offenders armed with machetes and long-edged weapons.

He said, “Witness and CCTV vision shows that these murders were committed by a large group of male offenders who appear to be covered with face masks. They fled the scene in a vehicle that’s yet to be identified.”

Emergency services were first called to Marble Drive just before 8pm following reports of a person seriously injured.

Upon arrival, paramedics found a 12-year-old boy with critical injuries. Despite CPR efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shortly after, police responded to another report of a seriously injured male nearby on Cobble Street. The 15-year-old boy was treated by emergency crews but also died at the scene.

Police believe the attacks are linked and are treating the incidents as targeted assaults.

Police believe this is “one of the most horrific crimes” in a rising trend of youth gang-related violence, although the victims were not gang members.

“The children who were murdered were not gang members and it is not OK to remain silent,” Mr Banks urged, appealing for witnesses and people with knowledge of the offenders to come forward.

When asked whether the victims were gang members, Mr Banks said, “Certainly with the age of the youngest person, it would be highly unlikely.”

Mr Banks acknowledged the possibility the boys might have been victims of mistaken identity or specifically targeted by individuals known to them.

“There is potential that the offenders know these people and they’ve been specifically targeted as well. But it’s also clearly the possibility that there’s been a mistaken identity and that this is what’s occurred.”

The relationship between the boys was confirmed as friendship. Mr Banks stated the police are pursuing up to eight male suspects, believed to be older than the victims.

“We will be aiming to arrest these people in coming days. That’s our objective.”

The nature of the attack was described as brutal. When questioned about reports that one boy had their hands cut off, Mr Banks responded, “My understanding is it was a horrific assault,” but declined to provide further specifics.

Regarding the weapons used, Mr Banks confirmed police believe machetes and long-bladed knives were involved but have not recovered the weapons yet.

Asked about gang affiliations, Mr Banks said the behaviour matches youth gang violence patterns and that intelligence points to certain gangs likely responsible, though specific groups have not yet been identified.

“This is a really bad example of that type of violence,” Mr Banks added.

Victorian Leader of the Opposition Brad Battin said the horrific attack was an example of how more needed to be done to combat violent crime.

“Last night we saw the tragic outcome of the crime crisis in Victoria,” he told the Herald Sun.

“Too many Victorians have been victims of crime. Last night, two more Victorians were tragically added to that tally.

“When we talk about the crime crisis, we can never lose sight of its human cost. These are not just statistics, they represent lives lost, families shattered, and communities forever changed.”

Sam Rae, Aged Care minister whose division of Hawke includes Cobblebank, told Sky News’ Sunday Agenda: “This has been a harrowing night for my community, these are incredibly distressing reports that have emerged.

“We’ve seemingly lost two children overnight.

“My job at this point is to support those families, support my community and to support the police to do their job in ensuring that we get justice for this heinous crime.”

The investigation is ongoing as detectives work to establish the full details and motive behind the killings.

Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.

- with Newswire