Four teens and one 12-year-old girl arrested after food court fight at notorious Melbourne mall

Five girls and one young woman have been arrested after a violent brawl erupted inside Northland Shopping Centre, the latest in a string of troubling incidents at the notorious Melbourne mall.

Victoria Police said officers were patrolling the Preston centre’s food court on Friday night when they saw a group fighting.

Four girls aged 12, 14, 16 and 17, along with an 18‑year‑old Coburg North woman, were taken into custody.

The 14‑year‑old suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital. The 12‑year‑old was treated by paramedics and later released pending further enquiries.

Police interviewed the 18‑year‑old, along with the 16 and 17‑year‑old, who are expected to be charged on summons.

Friday’s clash adds to Northland’s growing reputation for youth violence and high‑profile incidents.

In May 2025, crowds fled the centre when a brawl involving 10 people armed with machetes broke out in the food court.

Police believed the attack was linked to rival gangs and motivated by retaliation, leaving one man seriously injured.

A month later, in June 2025, shoppers captured footage of an SUV driving at speed through the centre, prompting renewed calls for tighter security.

Crime Statistics Agency data shows 5,901 offences were recorded across 13 major Melbourne shopping centres in the 2024–25 financial year — a 20 per cent jump on the previous year.

Bayside Frankston recorded the highest number of incidents, followed by Northland, then Westfield Fountain Gate.