The stabbing death of a schoolboy at a shopping centre in Melbourne’s west has sparked fears it could trigger a gang war on the streets, with the victim’s friends vowing to retaliate.
Solomone Taufeulungaki, 15, was allegedly attacked by a group of youths outside the Brimbank Shopping Centre at Deer Park about 4pm on Tuesday.
The teenager died at the scene, and Victoria Police arrested six male suspects nearby over the attack.
Taufeulungaki’s friends claimed he was ‘jumped’ by a gang called ‘The Brotherhood’ – or simply ‘BH’ – who were allegedly carrying knives and baseball bats.
His friends claim he had no gang or group affiliation himself, and was a prominent member of his local church and school community.
Both the victim and the alleged attackers reportedly went to Victoria University Secondary College in the nearby suburb of St Albans, and police and security were at the school gates on Wednesday morning.
‘It’s all got to do with social media and bullying and things they say online,’ witness Foa Galuega said.
Solomone Taufeulungaki (right), 16, was allegedly stabbed to death by a group of youths at the Brimbank Shopping Centre at Deer Park, in Melbourne’s west, about 4pm on Tuesday
Police forensic workers are pictured outside a Melbourne shopping centre after a teenager was allegedly stabbed to death in a brawl
His death sparked anger on social media and calls for vengeance, and that saw a wild brawl erupt at the crime scene late on Tuesday evening.
As dozens of teens rushed through the police tape, officers were forced to separate the warring groups.
Two officers were injured in the melee and were treated by paramedics.
In the hours that followed, social media was flooded with threats of vengeance from some of Taufeulungaki’s friends.
‘To the c**ts that rushed him… we ain’t gonna let you dogs off easy,’ one teen posted.
‘To those 97s and BH motherf***ers. Just know, we will find you and f**k you up,’ said another.
However the slain teenager’s loved ones called for calm.
‘Retaliation is not a must. Solomone Taufeulungaki you were a blessing and I am so glad to have met you,’ one of his relatives wrote.
‘I hope the next time one of you boys wanna (sic) get into a fight, rush someone or do anything that has to do with violence, I hope you look back at this day and you remember what happened to this young boy,’ another posted.
Grieving school friends of the teenager returned to the scene outside Brimbank Shopping Centre on Wednesday morning.
Under the watchful eye of police, Corrina Nakoa and a van full of children placed flowers beside a tree near where their mate fell.
‘I just came down to pay my respects. Clearly (the kids) are very distraught and confused. They’re good friends with Solomone,’ she said.
Taufeulungaki was instead a prominent member of his local church and community
His death sparked an outpouring of outrage on social media and widespread calls for vengeance
However the slain teenager’s loved ones called for calm, writing that ‘retaliation is not a must’
It is believed the teenager was allegedly attacked by another group of between eight to 10 children just after 4pm
A police officer stands guard at the crime scene outside Brimbank Shopping Centre in Melbourne’s outer western suburbs
Some of the children had attended the same church as their friend.
‘He’s a really good, quiet boy. I think it’s really affected our community,’ Ms Nakoa said.
The worried mum expressed fear about how the young victim’s friends will react to his death.
‘I don’t think anyone can kind of comprehend the magnitude of what’s happened,’ she said.
‘I suspect the impact of what’s happened is going to be widespread across the community tonight. Last night I watched the news and I saw the outburst from the family and I think it’s pretty heart wrenching as a mum.’
A friend of the boy alleged he was ambushed outside the shopping centre and his adult friend tried to hold the group back – but was himself threatened when he tried to intervene.
Grieving school friends of the teenager returned to the scene outside Brimbank Shopping Centre on Wednesday morning
Under the watchful eye of police, Corrina Nakoa and a van full of children placed flowers beside a tree near where their mate fell
Police remained visible in the carpark at Brimbank Shopping Centre on Wednesday morning, where just hours earlier the 16-year-old was killed
A group of police officers speak outside the Brimbank Shopping Centre on Tuesday night after the alleged attack. The boy died at the scene and police allege a group of males then ran from the scene
Just hours after police taped off the area, a brawl broke out at the crime scene – with dozens of people filmed running through police tape. Police are pictured at the scene in Deer Park on Tuesday
A witness told 7News the youngster was ‘jumped’ by the group who were carrying knives and baseball bats.
Another witness told Nine News that the victim was allegedly stabbed ‘multiple times’ in his chest and stomach area.
Taufeulungaki died at the scene and the group of alleged attackers then fled before being arrested a short time later on Billingham Road, a spokesperson for Victoria Police said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Pictured: Brimbank Shopping Centre. A friend alleged the 16-year-old was ambushed by the group and an adult friend tried in vain to intervene