EXCLUSIVE: An 18-year-old Point Cook man was stabbed eight times at a Hoppers Crossing party in what police have described as a frenzied and cowardly attack.
Werribee police said the man was a guest at a debutante ball after-party on Saturday, August 9, when a group of about six gatecrashers turned up about 9.45pm.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Dominic Trimboli told Star Weekly the group assaulted one of the invited guests, leaving him with cuts to his face, before turning on the second man.
“It appears the second victim was picked for no reason and he received eight puncture wounds to his back and chest,” Senior Constable Trimboli said.
“It was a pretty frenzied attack that demonstrates a high degree of cowardice. The victim tried to leave the party but collapsed on the street a few metres away.”
The man suffered a pierced pericardium, the sack that surrounds the heart, and two collapsed lungs. Police escorted him to Royal Melbourne Hospital, where he had emergency surgery.
He remains in the intensive care unit in a serious condition.
Senior Constable Trimboli said the attackers first stabbed the victim in the back.
“One of the stab wounds came within millimetres of puncturing the man’s heart,” he said.
“These kids were just having a good time when these louts came along and decided they were going to ruin their night.
“Unfortunately, they went there with the intent of attacking someone as they were armed with weapons.
“It’s a cowardly mob act. They attacked unarmed people who weren’t looking for trouble.”
Senior Constable Trimboli said the victim was of African descent but did not believe the attack was racially motivated.
Police have not found the weapon and are still interviewing witnesses.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go to www.crimestoppers.com.au.
