Late on Tuesday night, two carloads of youths allegedly bent on violence and destruction careered from the McDonald’s car park on The Esplanade, speeding up Acland Street before taking a hard right into the usually quiet St Leonards Avenue. The pursuit ended at the dead end of St Leonards Place.
One youth was assaulted and is alleged to have been run over twice by the pursuing vehicle. After a stolen Mazda was abandoned – with its lights on and engine running – one group reportedly swapped cars and raced towards Fitzroy Street, where a second vehicle was also abandoned.
TWiSK has spoken to residents and people connected to St Leonards Avenue, a tight‑knit and highly engaged community, who said they were shaken by the incident.
One witness, who was among the first on the scene, said the events unfolded outside the house where she was staying with friends. She had only recently returned to Melbourne after living in Los Angeles for 35 years.
“People came out of their houses to see what was happening and to support each other,” she said.
“I had to joke with people that I’ve never been confronted by a gang with a machete in 35 years of living and working in LA. In Melbourne, it took just three weeks [of being back],” the eyewitness quipped.
Phone footage taken by the witness shows a teen’s shoe and bloodstains on the street.
Police media report: Teen slashed and struck by car in St Kilda
Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 3:50 am
“Police are appealing for public assistance as they investigate the circumstances surrounding an incident where a teenager was struck by a vehicle in St Kilda last night.
A white Kia pulled into the carpark of a fast-food restaurant on The Esplanade just after 10pm.
It is understood a stolen grey Mazda followed the Kia and crashed into the back of it near the drive thru.
Officers were told one of the male occupants got out of the Mazda and started banging on the Kia, before the passenger, a 17-year-old boy, was slashed with a weapon.
The Kia left the carpark and was followed by the Mazda towards Acland Street, then down St Leonards Avenue where it reached a dead end.
The two male occupants got out of the Kia and attempted to leave on foot.
The group in the Mazda dumped the vehicle, before they stole the Kia and fled.
A short time later, a 17-year-old boy from the Prahran area, was located with serious injuries on St Leonards Avenue and taken to hospital.
Police believe the teen was deliberately struck by the Kia.
The Kia was abandoned nearby on Fitzroy Street and officers were told two male occupants of African appearance fled from the vehicle towards Beaconsfield Parade.
Uniform officers, the Critical Incident Response Team, Dog Squad and Public Order Response Team members searched the area with assistance from the Air Wing.
No arrests have been made at this stage.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses of the incidents, or anyone who saw the two vehicles in the St Kilda area just before 10pm to come forward with information.
Investigations are ongoing into the circumstances of the incidents and whether the parties are known to each other.”
Anyone who witnessed the incidents, has vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
