A 21-year-old man sustained life-threatening injuries following a violent altercation involving eight individuals outside a McDonald’s restaurant in Mooroolbark early Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 6:15 a.m. in the car park of the Manchester Road fast-food outlet, located approximately 200 metres from a local police station.

Details about the precise nature of the weapon used in the attack have not been confirmed, but reports indicate that an “edged weapon” was involved. The injured man, a resident of Ringwood East, managed to transport himself to Maroondah Hospital for treatment of serious upper body wounds.

Another individual, a 29-year-old man from Wandin North, was also injured during the brawl but left the scene without seeking medical attention. Authorities have noted that multiple participants fled the area in a silver Nissan Qashqai following the confrontation.

A nearby resident, Ash Devries, recounted waking up to sounds of screaming around 6 a.m. and witnessing erratic driving by several vehicles leaving the scene. Devries described the area as prone to frequent disturbances, stating that such violent incidents occur regularly on weekends and contribute to ongoing local tensions.

The proximity of the incident to the police station has raised concerns among community members, with some expressing unease that a serious attack unfolded so close to law enforcement facilities.

Police are continuing their investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the altercation and to identify those involved. No arrests have been reported at this stage.