Police have converged on a shopping centre in Melbourne’s north after shots were fired during an argument between men armed with machetes.
Craigieburn Central was placed into lockdown at around 7:10pm on Thursday.
Police were told two groups of males, both armed with machetes, were seen arguing at the shopping centre and two gunshots were heard.
Martin was at the centre with his six-year-old son.
He said he saw a group of males wearing masks just outside the food outlet where he was sitting.
He said some men approached the group and it looked like they were telling them to calm down when a second group of masked males arrived.
“They ran towards each other and then a shot was heard,” he told the ABC radio program Evenings with David Astle.
“As soon as the shot was fired … everybody pulled out massive machetes.
“They looked like swords; I’ve never seen such large machetes before.”
Martin said he immediately called the police while other shoppers fled.
He said there were mainly women and children inside the food outlet.
“Almost every single one of them were on the floor.
“I picked up my son, and I saw a lady with her four daughters. Roughly about five or six minutes later, when everything calmed down, they were too scared to leave.”
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the offenders fled as officers arrived.
She said there had been no reports of any injuries or any evidence to suggest anyone was hit by the bullets.
Police are investigating the incident and urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The ABC has attempted to contact shopping centre management.