Police are investigating a clash between two groups armed with machetes at a Melbourne shopping centre on Friday night.<\/p>\n
Some shoppers said they were left terrified by the incident and had to lock themselves inside a store with staff as people clashed with bladed weapons outside.<\/p>\n
Victoria Police said the altercation began between the groups in a car park on Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows, about 7:20pm.<\/p>\n
The brawl continued inside the Broadmeadows Central shopping centre.<\/p>\n
Vision captured by people at the shopping centre not involved in the affray showed several people taking swipes at each other with machetes.<\/p>\n
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Some shoppers and staff locked themselves inside stores at the shopping centre during the brawl. (Supplied)<\/p>\n
Police said the groups fled the scene in a silver Honda and a white Mazda before police arrived at the scene.<\/p>\n
It is not clear whether anyone was injured in the incident.<\/p>\n
Maggie Younan was shopping at the centre when the brawl happened and said people were “shaken up” by the incident.<\/p>\n
“It was honestly terrifying,” she said.<\/p>\n
“We were told to lock ourselves inside a store. I was in total shock and called my mum as soon as it happened to let her know I was stuck inside,” she said.<\/p>\n
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The brawl happened at Broadmeadows Central shopping centre in Melbourne’s north. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)<\/p>\n
The operator of Broadmeadows Central, Vicinity, said the shopping centre was open on Saturday but with increased security.<\/p>\n
“We do not tolerate criminal or antisocial behaviour in our centres and are committed to supporting Victoria Police in their investigation,” a Vicinity spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
“We understand this has been distressing for our customers and retail teams, and want to thank everyone for their support.<\/p>\n