A fatal stabbing attack on two boys in Melbourne by eight masked attackers armed with machetes and long edged weapons had “the hallmarks of a youth gang crime”, Victoria police say.

A 12-year-old and 15-year-old were found fatally stabbed in Cobblebank, in the city’s west, on Saturday night.

The 12-year-old was found on Marble Drive at about 8pm; the 15-year-old was discovered nearby on Cobble Street shortly afterwards. Both were found alive and treated for their injuries but died.

Det Insp Graham Banks said police were searching for up to eight possible attackers, but gave few details about the group. He said they were older than the victims and were male.

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The group covered their faces with face masks during the attack, he said. Police believe them t

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