Teenage girl arrested after machete brandished in school attack that left students injured

Police have arrested a teenage girl after a fight in which at least one person was armed with a machete and attacked students at a school in Melbourne’s north on Wednesday.

The 16-year-old from the Whittlesea area was interviewed by police in connection with the attempted armed robbery and the brawl. He was released pending a summons.

The arrest follows an incident in which officers investigated reports that five men attended Greenvale Secondary School on Glencairn Drive around 3.10pm on Wednesday, leading to the school being placed on lockdown.

“Police believe a person produced a machete at the scene, but it was not used in the fight,” officers said in a statement.

“An argument broke out and two students were slightly injured but did not require treatment. The five attackers left the area in a vehicle and remained in custody.

“Investigators believe this was a targeted incident and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

In a letter sent to parents and seen AgePrincipal Mark Natoli confirmed the school had been placed on lockdown.

He said students and staff were “working with the college and Victoria Police to establish the accuracy and details of any incidents that may have occurred”.

In a statement, the Department for Education said: “As a result of an incident at the school this afternoon, Greenvale Secondary School has put school safety procedures in place and will provide support to affected staff and students.”

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