A 15-year-old boy has been charged with murder after the “tragic and senseless” alleged stabbing of a teenager at a Melbourne shopping centre during the school holidays.

Oscar Hamilton, 16, had been dropped off by his mum at Woodgrove Shopping Centre, in Melton West, on Tuesday and was spending time with his friends.

When his mother returned, she received the awful news that her boy had been fatally stabbed during an “altercation” in the busy shopping centre’s outdoor food court on High Street.

Police say a fight broke out between the two before the accused allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Oscar “several times”.

Horrified shoppers reportedly tried to perform CPR before paramedics arrived and took over, but the teen tragically died at the scene about midday.

A teenage boy from Melton West, in Melbourne’s outer-west, was later arrested by police and interviewed late Tuesday.

Homicide detectives charged him with one count of murder. He will appear in a children’s court at a later date.

Detective Senior Sergeant Nigel L’Estrange said the two teenagers knew each other. He said gang violence was not believed to be a factor in this “absolutely tragic and senseless” incident.

The exact circumstances surrounding the altercation, which was captured on CCTV, are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing.

Oscar’s father Steven Hamilton released a statement to The Age on behalf of his family late on Tuesday.

“Today our world was shattered,” the statement said.

“Broken to pieces by a senseless act that cut short the life of our son and brother, Oscar.

“His loss has left a gaping hole in our hearts and our grief knows no bounds.

“We ask for the space and privacy to navigate this incredibly difficult time.”

Oscar’s friends took to social media to pay tribute to the “beautiful soul” and “sweet kid”.

The food court at Woodgrove Shopping Centre turned into a crime scene. Photo: Seven Network

Oscar’s girlfriend Briannan Hibbert spoke of her heartache in a post to Facebook.

“It was never meant to end this way but I’m guessing heaven needed you more than us,” she posted.

“Nobody will ever get over this. You filled everyone’s life with so much light and joy. You never failed to bring a smile to faces.”

“Life will never be the same without you. My heart will forever ache knowing that you are gone.

“ I will never forgive who did this to you. We are going to get you justice, don’t you worry.”

“Everyone was so lucky to have you in their life. This world was too cruel for your beautiful soul.”

“I will forever rep your name. Forever 16, Long Live Oscar.”

Another local posted: “Omg I knew this kid and he was such a sweetheart. So sad to hear of this and such a terrible way to be taken.”

Oscar Hamilton has been remembered as a sweet and well-mannered kid. Photo: Supplied

Melton Council candidate Roderick Borg offered his condolences the teenager’s family, friends, and “all those affected by the tragic incident involving Oscar at Woodgrove”.

“Everyone deserves to feel secure in public spaces, free from the fear of violence or harm.

“Such a senseless act should never occur, under any circumstance.”