Homicide Squad detectives have today arrested seven people as part of their investigation into the deaths of two children in Cobblebank earlier this month.
Warrants were executed from 6am this morning with assistance from VIPER Taskforce and local police at properties in Melton South, Thornhill Park, Caroline Springs, Sunbury, Wollert, Hillside and Sydenham (2).
Those arrested include:
- A 19-year-old Thornhill Park man;
- A 19-year-old Caroline Springs man;
- An 18-year-old Wollert man;
- Three 16-year-old boys and a 15-year-old boy, all from the north west suburbs of Melbourne.
All seven will now be interviewed by police.
Today's arrests follow two incidents in Cobblebank on Saturday, 6 September that resulted in the deaths of 15-year-old Dau Akueng and 12-year-old Chol Achiek.
Emergency services were initially called shortly before 8pm that night following reports two children has been fatally injured.
Chol was subsequently located on Marble Drive while Dau was located on Cobble Street.
Both of the boys were bravely assisted by members of the public before they sadly passed away at the scene.
Since the incident occurred, a significant investigation led by detectives from the Homicide Squad has been underway in an effort to identify those responsible and collect all available evidence.
Local police have also increased patrols in the Cobblebank area as part of their community reassurance efforts, and have also met with local schools, council and community leaders.
The investigation into the deaths remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Assistant Commissioner Martin O'Brien, Crime Command:
"The word senseless has been used so many times already in relation to the deaths of Dau Akueng and Chol Achiek, because the reality is that it doesn't make sense. Two children walking home after playing sport, who should have had decades of their lives ahead of them.
"Instead, their devastated families are grieving their loss and all the things they will never get to see two children grow up to achieve and experience.
"This has been an exhaustive and complex criminal investigation led by the Homicide Squad, which has attracted significant community interest. Over the past two weeks those detectives have worked tirelessly and methodically to identify those involved in an effort to ultimately put ourselves in the best possible position to put people before the court. Today's arrests are the result of diligent, thorough policework - much of it performed behind-the-scenes and through building sound, reliable evidence.
"Of the seven people arrested today, the oldest is just 19 while the youngest is 15. Again, there is no other word for this than senseless.
"Any incident that is so significantly violent that it results in the loss of a life is a concern for police. The impacts of these deaths, in particular Dau and Chol's, are felt right through our communities - from the families who have lost their loved one, through to the loss of safety that many people feel as a result, even when they don't know those involved.
"I know many people will be feeling shocked, frustrated and concerned in light of this matter. I want to reassure you that locally, police will have increased patrols in the area and are working closely with community groups. More broadly, Victoria Police will continue to do everything we can to target those involved in serious and violent crimes and prevent further offending from occurring. Where offences do occur, police will do everything we can to arrest people and put them before the court.
"I'd also like to acknowledge the members of the public who assisted both boys following the attacks, most likely without knowing whether their own safety was at risk.
"Finally, our thoughts are with the Akeung and Achiek families and we will continue to ensure all available support services remain in place at this difficult time."
