Three men are facing criminal charges after a violent altercation outside a takeaway shop in Canterbury, in Sydney’s south-west, left all three requiring hospital treatment for stab wounds. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the confrontation, which occurred during the early hours of Monday morning near the intersection of Fore Street and Canterbury Road.

Emergency services were called to the area after reports of a serious fight involving several men. The confrontation occurred between about midnight and 1.20am, with police later alleging that the incident involved three men who were known to each other. The altercation reportedly began following an argument before becoming physical.

Police said two of the men, who are related, allegedly confronted another man during the incident. The confrontation escalated into a violent struggle, with all three men subsequently suffering stab wounds. They were later located at Canterbury Hospital and taken to hospitals across Sydney for further medical treatment.

Two of the men, both aged in their early 20s, have now been charged in connection with the incident. One 23-year-old man has been charged with reckless wounding, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray. The second man, also aged 23, faces charges including being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, reckless wounding and affray.

An 18-year-old man is also facing several charges. Police allege he was involved in the confrontation and he remains under police guard while receiving medical treatment. His charges include reckless wounding, being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray. He is also facing separate driving-related allegations, including driving while suspended and failing to display required learner plates.

Police have described the incident as unacceptable and are treating it as a targeted confrontation rather than a random attack. Superintendent Christine McDonald said investigators believe the people involved knew each other and that the violence was directed between individuals. Police are continuing to investigate what led to the argument and how the confrontation escalated.

A knife has been recovered by investigators, while police are continuing inquiries regarding another weapon that has not yet been located. Officers have also been examining CCTV and other available evidence to establish the sequence of events and determine the precise circumstances surrounding the alleged stabbing.

The incident attracted significant attention because of the violence occurring outside a busy food outlet during the early hours of the morning. Police have reiterated their concern about violent behaviour in public places and said such incidents create unnecessary risks for members of the community, including people who may be nearby but are not involved.

All three accused men have been refused bail and are expected to face Burwood Local Court. Their matters will proceed through the court system while police continue their investigation.

Investigators are still working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the confrontation, including what triggered the initial argument and how weapons came to be involved. Police have urged anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant CCTV, mobile-phone or dashcam footage to provide it to investigators.

The charges are allegations only, and the accused men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Police investigations remain ongoing as authorities continue gathering evidence and preparing the matters for court.