Group fights ‘will not be tolerated’

A MAN was stabbed in a brawl involving more than 50 people in Pearcedale on Friday night.
The fight – the latest in a series in the Cranbourne area – has prompted police to warn local youths this behaviour would not be tolerated.
Police said about 11pm on Friday, they were called to a gathering of between 50 and 70 people, all in possession of weapons, outside the Pearcedale shops.
During the fight, which police believe was arranged, a 20-year-old Langwarrin man was stabbed to the chest. When police arrived, most of the people, believed to be aged in their late teens to early 20s and from the Langwarrin, Pearcedale and Cranbourne areas, dispersed with only a few hanging around to help the injured man.
Police found a number of weapons at the scene, including a samurai sword, knives, baseball bats and golf clubs.
This comes after an incident the previous Friday in which about 50 youths trashed a Cranbourne house and stole valuables after a party was organised without the knowledge of the house’s tenants.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Terry Rowlands said these types of incidents would not be tolerated by police, and anyone involved in such fights or rowdy behaviour would be brought before the court and charged.
Police were originally called to the Pearcedale scene at 10pm and had to clear a number of local youths from the area.
They believe an hour later, carloads of people turned up to the pre-arranged fight.
The weapons have been held for forensic analysis.
Police are appealing to witnesses to the incident or anyone who may know the identity of the person who stabbed the victim to come forward.
The Langwarrin man was last reported as being in a serious but stable condition after being airlifted to The Alfred hospital.
Anyone with information can contact Acting Det Sen Sgt Rowlands at Cranbourne CIU on 5991 0661 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to remain anonymous.