Police in the Australian state of Victoria said that a group of men approached and allegedly assaulted an 18-year-old man outside a shopping center on Lake Street in Caroline Springs, 20 kilometers northwest of central Melbourne, at around midnight on Saturday night, Xinhua reported.

The 18-year-old was stabbed and was taken to hospital in a serious condition.

Victoria Police said the group of assailants fled in a dark-colored vehicle and drove further along the street before allegedly attacking another man and stealing his phone.

The 22-year-old second victim also suffered serious stab wounds and was hospitalized.

Police detectives have commenced an investigation into the attacks and asked anyone with information to come forward.