Two Meadow Heights teens are among seven people arrested after a fatal assault in Reservoir last weekend.
Detectives from the Killing Group, along with other units from the Criminal Command and police from the North West Metro region, carried out orders early Wednesday morning.
A 13-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy, both from Meadow Heights, were arrested and questioned by police.
A 17-year-old Taylor Hill boy, a 17-year-old Tarneit boy, a 15-year-old Hoppers Crossing boy, a 16-year-old Yarraville boy and a 17-year-old Clifton Hill girl were also arrested and questioned by police.
A 15-year-old Werribee boy and a 19-year-old man from South Melbourne were both arrested in connection with unrelated matters.
The arrests follow an incident on Sunday, March 13, in the Reservoir, in which 16-year-old Declan Cutler was fatally assaulted and stabbed.
Emergency services were called to Elizabeth Street just before 2:30 a.m. after reports that someone had been assaulted.
Declan was treated by paramedics and police, but he died on the spot.
Crime Commissioner Bob Hill described the incident as a “deeply violent criminal act”.
“It’s all parents’ worst nightmare that their teenager leaves the house for a night on the town with friends and never returns, but that’s exactly what happened on this occasion,” he said.
“These arrests follow an extraordinary investigative effort by the Criminal Investigation Department’s detectives, while being supported by local police from the North West Metro Region.
“There are so many affected people whose lives have been changed forever by what happened the night Declan died, most of his entire family.
“Our thoughts go out to his loved ones and we will continue to make sure all relevant support services are available.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au