UPDATE: Eight masked people armed with flick knives and knuckle-dusters violently assaulted two teenagers in Thomastown in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The two teens, a 16-year-old from Lalor and a 15-year-old from Thomastown, were walking along Spring Streets just before 1am when two vehicles allegedly pulled up alongside them.
Eight alleged offenders jumped out of the cars and demanded cash and valuables from the teens.
The offenders then allegedly pulled out flick knives and knuckle-dusters and proceeded to assault the two boys.
When the teens produced their mobile phones, they were tied up and left in the back of an illegally parked car on a bridge near Johnson Street.
An anonymous caller later alerted emergency services.
Leading investigator Detective Senior Constable Daniel Chrystie said the gang asked for “cash, money, mobile phones, wallets and whatever they [the boys] had on them”.
Senior Detective Chrystie said the teens were in the car for a “maximum of 30 minutes” before an anonymous call to triple-0 alerted police.
“We’re not sure who’s called in, which is another reason why we’re doing this [call-out to the public],” he said.
It is believed the violent gang was made up of men aged between 20 and 25, Senior Detective Chrystie said.
“[The] attack itself was already of a violent nature because of the fact that they were assaulted and tied up,” he said.
“Any time weapons are produced it’s a violent confrontation,” Senior Detective Chrystie said.
“It’s concerning that eight people would take on two young males for apparently no reason.”
Senior Detective Chrystie said police were unsure as to why the teens were walking around on their own at 1am.
“It is school holidays, but it is a little concerning that people that age are out for no apparent reason,” he said.
“The fact that it was a cowardly attack on two young people is just unacceptable.”
The 15-year-old was taken to the Northern Hospital for observation and the 16-year-old was admitted for head injuries.
Whittlesea Crime Investigation detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information, particularly the anonymous caller.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
With Caroline Zielinski/The Age
