About 6.00 pm on Sunday the 8th of February 2009 two groups of males aged between 16-20 years met at the Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve for the purpose of settling a dispute. The meeting had been pre-arranged through text messages and e-mails during the previous week.
One group consisted of youths from the Diggers Rest area with the other being youths from the St. Albans area. During the confrontation one youth was fatally wounded whilst a second was wounded and sustained life threatening injuries. This youth is in the Royal Melbourne Hospital Intensive Care Unit and is listed as serious.
A number of suspects have been arrested and it is anticipated that there will be further arrests today. We wish to re-assure people that all possible efforts are being made to identify and arrest all those involved in this tragic incident.
Information will be provided to the local community on counselling services that are available from the Shire of Melton and other agencies at the PCCC Meeting on Tuesday night the 10th of February 2009. Should you need immediate assistance please contact the Shire of Melton for information on the services available on 9747 7200.