SYDNEY — A 16th birthday party turned terrifying in Sydney’s east when a group of masked gatecrashers armed with machetes stormed the gathering and attacked a teenage guest.
Police were called to a home on Carnegie Court in Chifley about 8.20pm on Sunday after reports of a violent brawl outside the residence.
Officers arrived to find a 16-year-old boy suffering slashing wounds to his back and leg. He was taken to hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.
Investigators said about 10 boys, all wearing ski masks and armed with machetes, approached the home and singled out the teen before launching the attack.
A security guard hired for the party described how the group appeared to blend in with the other guests because of the event’s theme.
“Apparently that was the theme of the party,” the guard said. “Initially I thought they were actually from the party, but it turns out they weren’t. They weren’t invited.”
The sudden brawl escalated quickly. While the party guests initially tried to defend themselves with fists, the attackers pulled out machetes and slashed the victim.
Nearby residents reported hearing screams and chaos. One neighbour recalled seeing the masked attackers fleeing on foot after throwing punches and wielding weapons.
Police believe the incident was a targeted attack and not directly connected to the hosts or other guests at the party.
Detectives are now reviewing CCTV footage from the neighbourhood and urging anyone with information to come forward.
No arrests have been made so far.
