On the evening of December 30, a confrontation that began with an online dispute tragically unfolded in Caroline Springs. According to police reports, two 15-year-olds were drawn to a park on Garretty Road around 5:40 PM, following a social media post that escalated into an argument.

The situation took a violent turn when the teenagers, expecting a one-on-one confrontation, were instead met with an ambush by a group of 11 individuals. Victoria Police Detective Constable Daniel Rankin revealed that at least one member of the group was wielding a machete, escalating the danger of the encounter.

Rankin explained, “What was supposed to be a one-on-one fight over a social media post turned into a perilous situation as the boys were set upon by a much larger group.” In the chaos, one of the victims managed to flee by jumping into a nearby lake, while his brother suffered serious injuries, including three slashes from the machete.

The brutal attack left one victim on the ground with his head stomped on, while the other sustained multiple lacerations to his arms. Rankin’s account highlights the severity of the incident and the unforeseen violence stemming from an online disagreement.

“The boys have ended up on the ground. One of them had their head stomped on. One of them had multiple lacerations to both arms,” Rankin said.

One of the victims was only released from hospital yesterday and is likely to have lifelong injuries.

”The one with the slash wounds, his day-to-day life has been impacted during his recovery,” Rankin said.

“He’s requiring the assistance of his family to do day-to-day activities.”

The offenders, who are believed to be about 15 to 18 years old, fled before police arrived.

Police believe that before the attack, seven of the attackers parked at Boathouse Drive in a black Ford Ranger bearing the false registration DRY685.

Eight of them crammed back into the Ranger to flee the scene, police said.

“I s— myself. Sorry for the expression, but this is getting bad, really bad,” local Franca Esposito said.

“I’m scared now. I don’t even open the door. I lock everything.”

Detectives believe a video of the ambush is circulating online and are urging anyone who comes across the vision to report it.

“There’s no justification for any of this sort of violence, and police will hold these offenders to account,” Rankin said.

“It’s a brazen, cowardly attack.”

Police have released an image of the group and of the car, and particularly urge anybody who may recognise the distinctive clothing worn by some of the youths, to come forward.