Two gangs of youths threw rocks and damaged a police car during an aggressive face off in Melbourne's northwest, according to witnesses.
The groups, who police say had "pre-existing tensions", agreed to meet at Watergardens Shopping Centre in Taylors Lakes to fight on Wednesday before management called officers who moved on them on.
The youths then took public transport to Lonzo Park in Taylors Hill and threw "a number of projectiles believed to be rocks", police say.
The youths were again moved on after riot police were called in after 5.30pm.
Residents described how the two groups of youths, some dressed in their school uniforms, faced off against each other.
"They told me to stay inside, lock the doors and yeah, it's scary, I've got a nine-year-old and an 11-year-old, and they're scared," a Bronte Way resident told The Herald Sun.
Another resident said there were about 50 youths or more involved. Others estimated there were about 100.
"The kids were out of control. Police were not able to do much," one man told Nine Network.
Victoria Police Commander Tim Hansen said there was a cohort within the larger group known to police and who would be spoken to by investigators.
“Our short-term objectives last night were to make residents safe and disperse that group and return good order to that residential area,” he told Melbourne radio 3AW.
“We were really successful at that.
“We launched an investigation overnight.
“I just want to reassure everyone, we take a zero tolerance with this sort of behaviour."
Commander Hansen did not confirm the nationality of the youths.
The rear window of the police car was smashed. No-one was injured.
