Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the death of a 15-year-old boy after a fatal stabbing in Melbourne’s north, with police continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the incident.

Emergency services were called to Craigieburn Community Hospital on Wednesday evening after reports that a teenage boy had been found with serious stab wounds in the hospital car park. Despite immediate efforts by hospital staff and paramedics to save him, the teenager died at the scene.

Victoria Police later arrested a 16-year-old boy and a 20-year-old man in Pascoe Vale. Both were taken into custody and are being interviewed by Homicide Squad detectives as the investigation continues.

Authorities have not yet released full details about what occurred before the stabbing. Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage, speaking with witnesses and examining forensic evidence to establish the sequence of events.

Some media reports have suggested the incident may have followed a planned confrontation between groups of teenagers that escalated into a larger altercation. However, Victoria Police have not publicly confirmed those reports or identified a motive, and investigators continue to appeal for anyone with direct information to come forward.

The victim, who lived in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, has been remembered by friends and members of the local community as tributes began appearing near the scene. Education authorities have also indicated that support will be made available for students and staff affected by the tragedy.

A spokesperson for Northern Health confirmed that hospital staff responded immediately after discovering the injured teenager but were unable to save his life. The health service also expressed condolences to the victim’s family and said support was being provided to employees involved in the emergency response.

The incident has renewed attention on youth violence and knife crime in Victoria, issues that have featured prominently in public debate over recent years. Community leaders and politicians from across the political spectrum have expressed sympathy for the victim’s family while urging that the facts be established before conclusions are drawn about the circumstances of the case.

Police have emphasised that the investigation remains active and that no findings have yet been made regarding the events leading to the stabbing. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers.

As investigators continue gathering evidence, authorities say their priority is determining exactly what happened and ensuring those responsible, if any offences are established, are brought before the courts.