A woman has been attacked with an axe in broad daylight, by a man known to her, at a shopping centre south east of Melbourne.
It's believed the woman was attacked with an axe "multiple times", inside a business at a shopping centre on Princes Highway in Narre Warren just after 10am on Monday, police said.
The woman, aged in her 30s, suffered upper-body injuries and has been taken to The Alfred hospital in a stable condition, an Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said.
Police have arrested a man over the incident.
The exact reason for the attack is being investigated but it is believed the man and woman are known to each other.
The attack is believed to have happened at Westfield Fountain Gate shopping centre.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with further information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.