Touching tribute from a devastated friend to her boyfriend Oscar Hamilton, 16, who was allegedly stabbed to death at Woodgrove Shopping Centre

Friends and family of a 16-year-old boy who was allegedly stabbed to death in a busy shopping center have sent a heartbreaking message to Melbourne’s youth crime gangs.

Oscar Hamilton was reportedly killed in the outdoor food court at Woodgrove Shopping Center in Melton West, in Melbourne’s west, just before midday on Wednesday.

After his death, his dysfunctional friends are determined to make sure Oscar’s life and tragic death mean something to the other teenagers growing up in the West.

They took to the streets in custom-made hoodies bearing the teenager’s face and staged a celebratory solidarity march against knife violence ahead of incidents over the weekend.

“Long live the Oscar” and “Justice for the Oscar” were emblazoned on the front of the black hoodies.

On the back was a poignant message to Melbourne’s troubled youth who continue to use knives to settle scores.

“Stop the violence,” the message read, with a smiling photo of Oscar above it.

Oscar’s friends embarked on a walk together from the shopping center to Melton police station on Friday as they called for an end to knife violence and a reformed criminal justice system.

Oscar (pictured) was allegedly stabbed in the outdoor food court at Woodgrove Shopping Center in Melton West in Melbourne’s west last week

They were joined by complete strangers in a local park who sang along and released green, blue and black balloons in honor of the tragic teenager.

Oscar’s friend Briannan Hibbert thanked everyone for taking part, posting on social media: “Everyone looks great in their hoodies.”

“Oscar would have loved her too.”

Relative Sherry Faye added: “You did an amazing job yesterday with all your friends.” I was so proud to go in honor of Oscar.

“It was so nice – thank you.” Oscar will always be in your heart. The monument is simply wonderful. So many people love him.

“He will fly high forever, 16.”

At the memorial service, a representative from Oscar’s family appealed to him to remain calm and remember him as “a beautiful boy,” The Age reported.

“Today is about Oscar,” she told the crowd. “It’s about the beautiful boy we all know…not the person who did this.”

A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be identified because of his age, has been charged with one count of murder.

Police believe the incident occurred during an argument between the two.

Stop the Violence: Oscar’s friends spread the message that his death was not in vain

Others reposted the hashtags “#stopyouthcrime #stopyouthknifecrime #knivesdown” on their Instagram Stories (pictured)

After the deaths, Ms Hibbert changed her Instagram bio to call on the young couple’s friends to “stop carrying guns”.

Photos shared on Instagram showed some of Oscar’s friends posing with giant machetes.

Others reposted the hashtags “#stopyouthcrime #stopyouthknifecrime #knivesdown” on their Instagram Stories.

Friends of Oscar also re-shared his girlfriend’s plea to “stop carrying guns” in their own Instagram bios.

Ms Hibbert created a public Facebook group in memory of Oscar, who she described as a “beautiful soul who I was lucky enough to call my friend”.

“It was never meant to end this way, but I guess heaven needed you more than us,” she continued.

“No one will ever get over this.” You have filled everyone’s life with so much light and joy. You never failed to put a smile on faces.

Oscar was allegedly stabbed in front of witnesses

Photos shared on Instagram show some of Oscar’s friends posing with giant machetes

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

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

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

It is understood Oscar’s mother dropped him off at the shopping center before he was allegedly stabbed “multiple times” outside La Porchetta in front of school holiday guests.

It is understood that police have not yet found the weapon allegedly used.