Horror moment over 100 bystanders run for their lives after violent machete attack erupted at Vanilla dessert bar

By CAITLIN POWELL - NEWS REPORTER Published: 02:04, 18 April 2026 | Updated: 02:05, 18 April 2026 The moment up to 100 innocent bystanders were forced to run for their lives after a machete attack erupted outside a dessert bar has been captured on CCTV. It's understood the group were seated outside Vanilla at Eaton Mall, 14km south-east of Melbourne's CBD, about 7.45pm on Friday when the incident took place. The group of twelve was reportedly approached by a large group of unknown offenders wearing balaclavas, with at least two carrying machetes, police said. They allegedly assaulted an 18-year-old Malvern East man, who was rushed to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A 16-year-old boy was also assaulted but didn't suffer any physical injuries. In chilling CCTV footage, obtained by the Herald Sun, the attackers are seen kicking, punching and slashing at the 18-year-old. 'He's got a knife, he's got a knife. Oh my days. He's got a f***ing machete, bro,' a person recording said. Witnesses said about 150 bystanders fled the scene as the incident took place. It's understood the group were seated outside Vanilla at Eaton Mall (pictured), 14km south-east of Melbourne's CBD, about 7.45pm on Friday when the incident took place The incident took place on Friday night in front of more than 100 members of the public A terrifying machete attack outside a dessert bar in Oakleigh was caught on camera An 18-year-old Malvern East man was rushed to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries 'Vanilla was full of people and everyone was sitting down,' a witness said.  'A group of about 10 kids and teenagers then showed up in masks and argued with this guy.  'Suddenly one of the guys pulled out a machete and stabbed the guy across the face from the neck to the cheek. They were kids, they seemed really young.' An employee at a nearby business added: 'We just saw people running and screaming. About 150 people all running in fear at the same time.' The group of attackers fled on foot and no arrests have been made at this stage. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, which is being treated as a targeted incident in which parties are known to each other. Police said there will be proactive patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the community. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam or CCTV footage or any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.