A 15-year-old boy has been charged with manslaughter following the death of a well respected Melbourne shopkeeper.

Van Viet Truong, 60, was at his grocery shop in Sunshine about 2pm on Saturday when a group of youngsters, aged 12, 13, 14 and 15, fled a store with stolen goods.

The man confronted the group –who were scuffling with another shop owner over the stolen goods – andwas struck over the head several times.

He was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition but died on Wednesday afternoon.

Three boys – aged 12, 13 and 15 – and a 14-year-old girl were each charged with affray, violent disorder, intentionally cause serious injury and intentionally cause injury.

However, Victoria Police have now confirmed that the charges for one of the 15-year-olds have been upgraded to include manslaughter.

The teenager, from the Brimbank area, will appear at a children’s court at a later date.

Meanwhile charges laid against a 13-year-old boy were withdrawn.

It now means that four youths in total will face court – with two boys aged 15 and 12 and a 14-year-old girl, all from the Brimbank area, accused of affray, violent disorder, intentionally causing serious injury and intentionally causing injury.

“Further investigations exonerated the 13-year-old boy and his charges were withdrawn,” a police statement read.

Brimbank Mayor Virginia Tachos said his passing as “devastated the entire Brimbank community”.

“Viet was a pillar of our community, well known by all for being a generous supporter, a helping hand and a kind friend to his fellow traders, neighbours and customers,” she said in a statement.

“We recognise the immense grief experienced by Viet’s family, friends, fellow traders and the broader Brimbank community and send our deepest sympathies to them all.”

She said the council would honour Mr Truong’s contributions to community.

“We are lowering our flags to half-mast today as a mark of respect,” she said.

“May he rest in peace. He will always be remembered.”

Earlier this week, she said more needed to be done to protect the community.

“We need the government to act now with more police protecting our businesses, residents and streets,” she said.

Victoria Police Acting Commander Troy Papworth said more patrols would be done in the city’s western suburbs, particularly in Sunshine and Footscray.

“The recent alleged incident in Sunshine has no doubt had a ripple effect through the entire community and has caused angst and concern in Melbourne’s west,” he said.

“Police feel these concerns as well – we are as much a part of the community ourselves.”

Mr Truong was the owner of Hong Hung Asian Grocery, which had been operating for nearly three decades and had become a beloved fixture in the Sunshine community.

Those who knew the businessman described him as a “a very friendly and lovely man”, with a nearby shop owner saying “he loved his wife, had two children, and was always working hard”.

Victoria Police said the man’s family was “devastated” by his death.

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