Two men injured in suspected ax attack in Melbourne

Brave shoppers tried to stop a gunman who allegedly attacked and seriously wounded two men with a hatchet in a shopping center in southeast Melbourne.

Police were called to Rosebud Plaza on McCombe St on the Mornington Peninsula just after 10.15am to receive reports of a man allegedly armed with a tomahawk ax.

Sgt Sarah Blackmore told reporters that a man was quickly arrested by Rosebud police and taken into custody, and that there was no ongoing threat to public safety.

She alleged that the man randomly attacked two men, ages 47 and 63, with a hatchet.

Blackmore said both men had been taken to The Alfred Hospital with serious upper body injuries.

He said good Samaritans came to the aid of the two men and tried to distract the attacker and stop the assault.

“There were definitely people who were trying to intervene, trying to divert his attention from the victims to try to get him to stop,” Blackmore said.

“It was an extremely dangerous thing to do and it’s not something I would suggest everyone do, but it was certainly very brave.”

In a statement on Facebook, Rosebud Plaza said the center was closed to commerce while police investigated the incident.

“The victims were not known to the offender who has since been detained by local authorities,” they said.

“The victims were treated at the scene by emergency services and have been transferred to the hospital. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to the victims for a speedy recovery.”

Sergeant Newman said police were working to determine the exact circumstances of the incident and that the investigation was ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crimestoppers at 1800333000.