The incident took place in Tarneit City on Thursday, TV Channel 7News reported. A group of about seven to eight people set upon the trio, demanding they hand over their mobile phones and also ordered Rhyan to give up his new Nike Air Jordan sneakers, which he had only just received as a gift, the report said.
The Year-10 student and his friends were due at a celebratory family dinner for his birthday. The aspiring cricketer was stabbed in his ribs, arms, hand and back, and was hit in the back of his head, the report said. One of his friends was also stabbed, according to Victoria Police. Rhyan was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery to save the fingers on his left hand. He is expected to remain in hospital for a few more days as he recovers, the report said, adding that, his two friends are also recovering in hospital.
According to the 7News channel, the gang had earlier ambushed other victims at a leisure centre in Caroline Springs the same afternoon. Police say the offenders left the scene in a dark-coloured vehicle which has not yet been located.