Police have swarmed a Melbourne shopping centre after a teenage boy was stabbed to death following an altercation, with the attacker on the run.

Emergency services were called to an outdoor food court area at Woodgrove Shopping Centre in Melton West just before midday on Tuesday.

First responders attempted to provide CPR to the 16-year-old boy, but he died at the scene.

Police believe the boy may have been involved in an altercation with another male.

“The exact circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death are yet to be determined and no arrests have been made at this stage,” Victoria Police said.

Homicide squad detectives are investigating, with shoppers told to leave the centre.

Tuesday’s deadly attack came just days after a warning was reportedly posted to social media about possible “gang” issues at the shopping centre.

“I’ve heard possible issues with gang problems this weekend at Woodgrove,” a woman wrote on Facebook on Saturday, according to a report in the Daily Mail.

“Hopefullly not true … Be aware of your surroundings.”

Woodgrove manager Kylie Robertson offered thoughts and condolences to the boy’s family and others also affected by the incident.

“Additional security personnel have been deployed on site and are continuing work with police to support a heightened level of security across the local area,” she told News Ltd.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.

-with AAP