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A MAN was stabbed during a dispute at a car wash in Coburg, in Melbourne’s north yesterday which also saw a number of shots discharged.
The 34-year-old remains in hospital following the clash on the corner of Sydney Rd and Sheffield St about 5pm.
A police spokesman said a number of shots were fired in the incident.
Moreland CIU detectives have been told the injured man chased his alleged attacker or attackers up Inca Way, but the offender or offenders fled the scene.
The injured man eventually arrived at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.
Armed crime taskforce detectives are investigating.
A police spokesman said the Santiago Taskforce, which probes shootings and gang activity in Melbourne’s north and west, was not involved in the investigation.
The violence occurred in broad daylight, but the fact that yesterday was a public holiday probably saved dozens of people from witnessing it or being caught in the crossfire.
Many nearby businesses were closed, and those that had opened had shut about 30 minutes before the gunfire began.
It’s not known if police have linked the incident to others in the area.
However, locals say a string of violent attacks has taken over the normally quiet street corner in the past six months.
“There’s been an abduction. There’s been a place broken into. A business was torched,” said one woman who works nearby, but wanted to remain anonymous out of fear for her own safety.
“It’s actually quite scary,” she said. “I’m just waiting now for me to get shot.”
Detectives from Moreland CIU will question the injured man.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au.
– With AAP