Police have arrested five people as part of the Homicide Squad investigation into an incident in Docklands last weekend where a man was fatally stabbed.
Detectives from the Homicide Squad, Gang Crime Squad and Armed Crime Squad executed warrants at two addresses in Derrimut and Wollert yesterday morning.
A 19-year-old Derrimut man and a 21-year-old Wollert man were arrested and subsequently interviewed by police.
A 21-year-old Tarneit man was arrested in Docklands yesterday evening and was also interviewed by police.
The Tarneit and Derrimut men were charged with murder, while the Wollert man was charged with affray and violent disorder.
All three faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last night and were remanded in custody.
Two men were arrested this morning after warrants were executed at properties in Taylors Hill and Epping.
A 22-year-old Taylors Hill man and a 20-year-old Epping man will now be interviewed by police.
The arrests follow an incident on Sunday, 13 March in Docklands where 23-year-old West Australian man Alier Riak was fatally stabbed.
His 26-year-old brother Kuol Riak was also seriously injured.
Emergency services were called to Bourke Street, near Harbour Esplanade, following reports of a brawl between a number of males about 3.20am that morning.
On arrival, the two injured men were located and conveyed to hospital however Alier passed away a short time later.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing and police appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has other information and is yet to speak to police to come forward.
Anyone with information urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
Quotes attributable to Assistant Commissioner Bob Hill, Crime Command:
“I know the events of last weekend were incredibly distressing for many in our community where we experienced the senseless loss of life of two young men and others being seriously injured.
“Since Sunday morning, Victoria Police committed significant resources in our investigative effort to identify, arrest and ultimately hold those responsible to account for their actions.
“These arrests were the result of an incredible amount of work by Crime Command units including the Homicide Squad, Gang Crime Squad and Armed Crime Squad, while well supported by local police from the North West Metro Region.
“It’s also a strong and demonstrable statement that for those choosing to engage in this type of violent and senseless crime, police will be relentless in their pursuit of you.
“I think this is what the community expects from us and what we owe to the community to ensure everyone feels safe in Melbourne.
“This is a great city and overwhelmingly a safe city, however incidents such as those we sadly saw last weekend impact all of us.
“The victims of this incident were innocent parties who were good people – good students, good athletes and from a good family.
“Our thoughts are very much with the Riak family at this time, who are no doubt suffering an immeasurable amount of grief. We will continue to ensure all the relevant support services are made available to them.
“The investigation into this matter will continue until police are satisfied that all those involved are held to account for their actions.”
