A shopping centre in Melbourne’s north was briefly placed under lockdown after police received reports of gunshots and a confrontation involving two groups of men allegedly carrying machetes.
Victoria Police were called to a shopping centre in Craigieburn at about 7.10pm on Thursday following reports that two shots had been fired.
Officers arrived at the location after reports of an altercation between two groups of males. Police said both groups allegedly had machetes and fled before officers arrived.
Police find no evidence of shooting
Despite the reports of gunfire, police said they found no evidence that a shooting had actually taken place.
There were also no reports of anyone being injured in connection with the incident.
The circumstances that led to the confrontation remain unclear, including whether the reported gunshots were genuine or what prompted the two groups to allegedly confront each other while armed with machetes.
Police officers conducted a search of the surrounding area as they attempted to locate those involved.
The incident nevertheless prompted authorities to take immediate precautions because of the reports involving potential firearms and bladed weapons in a busy shopping precinct.
Shoppers locked inside stores
The shopping centre was temporarily placed into lockdown while police investigated.
Shoppers and retail workers were reportedly kept inside stores as officers searched the area. Images circulating on social media showed shopfront shutters closed while people remained inside the premises.
The precautionary lockdown allowed police to secure the area while determining whether there was an ongoing threat to members of the public.
Police eventually continued their investigation after the two groups had reportedly fled the scene.
No injuries were reported, and authorities did not find evidence confirming that a shooting had occurred.
Police appeal for information
Victoria Police are continuing to investigate the reported altercation and are seeking information from members of the public who may have witnessed what happened.
Anyone who saw the confrontation, heard the reported gunshots or has information that could help identify those involved is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
The incident highlights the potential disruption caused when reports of weapons or gunfire emerge in crowded public areas.
While no shooting injuries were reported in this case, the presence of alleged machete-wielding groups was serious enough for police to secure the shopping centre and temporarily prevent shoppers from leaving stores.
Investigations remain ongoing as police work to establish exactly what happened before the two groups fled the scene.