The 30-year-old was stabbed during a fight in Prahran in the early hours of Sunday. He died before he reached hospital.
The 30-year-old was stabbed during a fight in Prahran in the early hours of Sunday. He died before he reached hospital.
By Ashleigh McMillan
Updated April 20, 2025 — 12.37pmfirst published at 8.50am
A 30-year-old man has died after he was stabbed during a brawl on a busy part of Chapel Street in Melbourne’s inner south-east in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Emergency services were called after reports a man was injured during an altercation about 1.30am in Prahran when the area was teeming with revellers.
The victim, from Mickleham in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, was treated by paramedics but died before he reached hospital.
No arrests or charges have yet been made.
Detective Acting Inspector Chris Ellway said the victim was known to police, but it is not yet known if he had any affiliations with organised crime or gangs.
Up to six people were involved in the fight and the victim was stabbed multiple times by his attackers, but it is still not known what type of edged weapon was used.
“I don’t think it was a random attack … but we’re still trying to work out what the circumstances are,” Ellway said at a press conference on Sunday morning.
Forensic investigators were seen removing a glass bottle from the scene, which police believe was used in the attack. It is unknown whether it was the source of the fatal stab wounds.
Advertisement
Police also seized what looked to be a firearm, which Ellway said was still being analysed to determine whether it was genuine or an imitation weapon.
Witness Abz Al, 31, was on a night out in Chapel Street with friends when he saw a large group of people surrounding a man lying on the ground.
“The guy was on the ground, bleeding everywhere, so we tried to help,” he said.
“I was really worried because the guy was bleeding badly … we took his top off to see where he was bleeding from so we could put pressure on it.”
Al said the man was in significant pain until emergency services arrived. The group of men involved in the stabbing ran along Chapel Street towards Commercial Road, he said.
“They should be in jail. They should get locked up because you can’t kill someone, take someone’s life in the middle of the street,” he said.
Al said the man was stabbed near the corner of Greville Street, which at the time was busy with revellers enjoying the Easter long weekend.
It took police officers some time to tape off the crime scene due to the sheer number of people on the street.
“No one wants to see violence when they come out for a good night out with their friends and family,” Ellway said.
“It was a busy time, there was a lot of people walking, and cars driving up and down the street … Police had some difficulties trying to contain what is quite a large scene on a busy street.”
Chapel Street was still closed between Greville and Chatham streets at midday on Sunday.
Blood spatter could be seen on the road as forensic investigators combed the scene.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Get alerts on significant breaking news as it happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert.
Ashleigh McMillan is a breaking news reporter at The Age.Connect via Twitter or email.
Loading