Melton Crime Investigation Unit detectives are seeking assistance from the public to identify a group of boys who ambushed two teenagers in a reserve in Caroline Springs last week.
The victims, who met up with eleven teenagers at a park off Garretty Road, were set upon on Tuesday 30 December about 5.40pm.
Detectives have been told the incident was sparked following an online argument between parties who did not personally know one another.
It is believed the victims, who are brothers, were lured to the area before they were attacked by the group, with at least one offender armed with a machete.
Officers attended the scene following several calls to Triple Zero (000) from witnesses who reported seeing a group of people fighting and someone armed with a machete.
The two injured 15-year-olds were found nearby with one of the boys injured to his face and the other found with significant slash injuries to his arm and back.
The pair from the Melton area were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Those involved had fled the area before police arrived.
Investigators have released vision of the group of boys walking along the street prior to the incident, and of a vehicle of interest.
Enquiries have revealed seven of the offenders arrived and parked in Boathouse Dive in a black Ford Ranger ute bearing false registration DRY685.
CCTV captures eight offenders leave in the vehicle, with the other three offenders last seen running towards Lorimer Street about 5.45pm.
Police have released vision of those believed involved and an image and CCTV of the vehicle in the hope it will assist the investigation.
Those involved are believed to be aged between 15-18, with some perceived to be Asian in appearance.
Investigators are appealing for anyone who may recognise some of the distinctive pieces of clothing worn by some of the offenders to please come forward.
The investigation into the incident, which appears targeted following the online argument, remains ongoing.
Anyone with information or vision is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
