Police have released photos of a schoolboy believed to be “connected” to the alleged fatal stabbing of a teenager in Melbourne’s west.
Pa Sawm Lyhym, 16, was killed in front of horrified onlookers near a Sunshine train station on Thursday afternoon.
Two other boys, both 16, were injured during the alleged altercation, with police saying they believed the incident occurred due to escalating tensions between two groups of teenagers from different schools.
On Tuesday, Victoria Police revealed there was a “significant search” under way for Mayik Atem, 17, who had been on the run for five days.
“Atem has not returned to his Hillside home since Friday and his family are concerned for his welfare,” a police spokeswoman said.
“Detectives are also urging Atem to make contact with police or hand himself in at any police station as soon as possible.”
Police are searching for 17-year-old Mayik Atem as part of their investigation into the stabbing death of 16-year-old Pa Sawm Lyhym on Thursday. Picture: Victoria Police
A second teenager turned himself in on Friday evening after police held a press conference saying two other males had been identified as suspects.
“We encourage those two males to contact the local police and arrange themselves to be presented at a police station to give themselves up,” Detective Superintendent Janet Stevenson said.
“There was one group of schoolchildren from one school in one area and an aggressive group of boys attended there and they looked as though they were there for a purpose.
“It didn’t look like an organised fight.”
Police have urged anyone who sees Mayik to not approach and call triple-0 immediately, warning they are unsure if he is armed or has access to any weapons.
He is described as being between 185-190cm tall with a slim build and black hair in a short dreadlocks style.
On Friday, a 17-year-old boy was arrested in relation to the investigation; however, Victoria Police have revealed he was released without charge the following morning.
Tributes are flowing after Pa Sawm Lyhym was fatally stabbed at Sunshine. Picture: supplied
A memorial has been established next to the Sunshine station’s bus interchange. Picture: NCA NewsWire /Luis Enrique Ascui
He was released after speaking with homicide investigators.
Last week, police released CCTV footage of a knife-wielding male running near the scene.
Dressed in a black jacket and blue face mask, the male runs through alleyways wielding a large machete-like object.
Pa Sawm’s death has left his community reeling, with a steady stream of mourners laying tributes at the scene.
His brother, Mawn Lyhym, described the 16-year-old as a good and kind person.
“He was funny, really nice, a welcoming and kind person,” Mr Lyhym said.
CCTV footage captures the moment a knife-wielding man heads for the train station. Picture: Victoria Police.
Pa Sawm’s friends have posted online about avenging the teenager, threatening further violence.
Police say investigations are continuing, with detectives still searching for people they believe are connected to the incident.
“Detectives are still working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and the motivation for the altercation,” the spokeswoman said.
Anyone who witnessed or has information about the incident, or who has mobile phone, dashcam or CCTV footage, has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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