1 week ago
5
The father of a teenager stabbed to death in Melbourne’s west last night has begged police for action after a suspected youth gang attack.
Homicide Squad detectives are investigating after Dau Akueng, 15, and a 12-year-old boy were fatally stabbed in Cobblebank, near Melton, just before 8pm on Saturday night.
Emergency services arrived at Marble Street to find the 12-year-old with critical injuries. Paramedics started CPR, but the boy died at the scene.
A short time later, police were called to nearby Cobble Street after reports of another boy with horrific injuries.
Emergency services tried to revive 15-year-old Akueng, but he also died at the scene.
Police believe the two incidents, which occurred about 150 metres from each other, were targeted attacks and connected.
Elbino Akueng, the father of 15-year-old Dau, said his son was walking home with friends after refereeing a basketball game when he was attacked on Saturday night.
Akueng said he was at work when he found out two children had been killed in Cobblebank. When he frantically called his son’s phone, there was no answer.
“I’m talking on behalf of my community – this is happening to us. In the last month, we have buried four kids, similar incidents keep happening, but there’s no answer from police,” he said.
“I need answers for my son. My son is just gone like this – he was a basketball player, not a criminal.”
Mr Akueng, who works as a security guard, said he was dismayed by the lack of police action after incidents of teens wielding knives and machetes in the area.
“I protect people where I work, but no one protects my family at home,” he said.
On Sunday morning, rain slowly beat down on the quiet housing development where the two boys were killed. A large pool of dried blood could still be seen on the chip bark beside Marble Drive, where the 12-year-old was slain.
Aboil Alor, a friend of the Akueng family, spoke through tears as she remembered the kind boy whom she would drop off at home after basketball.
“He was a very good child, and he deserves better,” she said. “Where are the police?”
In CCTV of the incident seen by this masthead, a group of three people clad in dark clothing can be seen chasing another person, before he falls to the ground at the corner of Marble Drive.
The trio can then be seen attacking the figure as he struggles on the ground. The attackers then run off as the victim screams and attempts to get up.
A minute later, a young woman comes to the boy’s assistance and attempts to flag down passing cars using the flashlight on her phone.
Police said they are still determining the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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