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National

Sydney Royal Easter Show increases police, security measures after fatal stabbing

Police are still hunting for suspects in fatal Easter Show stabbing (Mark Reddie)

More police and tightened security measures were in place when the scene of an alleged murder at the Sydney Royal Easter Show reopened to the public today.

A Western Sydney family is mourning the loss of a 17-year-old boy who died after allegedly being stabbed in the chest during a brawl on Monday night.

"May you rest peacefully … love you," the boy's aunt wrote on social media.

"All my love to your mum and siblings and the rest of our family. I pray for peace, love, and forgiveness in Jesus's mighty name."

Police are still hunting for those responsible for the "senseless" attack, which unfolded in front of dozens of witnesses.

Another teenage boy, 16, was stabbed in the leg and was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.

It's believed the attack was not random, but that two groups of males met at the show and a confrontation broke out.

The victim of the stabbing worked for one of the show's ride operators.

A teenager died on the way to hospital after being stabbed in the chest. (News Video)

The stabbing occurred in the adult carnival section of the showground, which was closed on Tuesday as detectives scoured the scene for evidence.

On Wednesday morning the general manager of the show, Murray Wilton, said security measures had been stepped up significantly and every person who entered the show would have to walk through a metal detector.

Security will also use hand-held metal detectors at their discretion.

Previously, people were randomly selected to walk through a metal detector, depending on how long the queues were.

The adult carnival section of the show will now close at 9.30pm instead of 11pm and people will not be able to enter the show through the carnival and will instead be directed to the main entrance.

"The main reason for that is we've got greater eyes on everyone who comes through the Easter Show," Mr Wilton said.

Murray Wilton says enhanced security means the show has never been safer. (ABC News: Billy Cooper )

The police presence in the ride section has also been ramped up and there is enhanced lighting in the precinct to assist with surveillance.

Mr Wilton said he was "very angry" that a few people had caused such disruption for the hundreds of thousands of people who attend the show.

Yesterday attendance was down by around 15,000 people.

"I understand where people are coming from, I've got young children," he said.

"They want to feel safe when they come to the show ... and they should feel safe, it is a safe show."

Mr Wilton said the show's organisers had not contacted the family of the victim, on the advice of NSW Police.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested after having an alleged minor involvement in the incident. (Supplied: Reddit )

Yesterday, a relative of the victim was granted strict conditional bail in a children's court.

The relative, a 15-year-old boy, had been arrested at the scene allegedly in possession of a knife.

It was alleged in court that he produced the knife as he came to the aid of his 17-year-old family member, who was being attacked by three unknown people.

Superintendent Danielle Emerton says there will be a heavy police presence at the showground. (ABC News)

The person who fatally stabbed the boy in the chest remains at large, Superintendent Danielle Emerton said.

"This is a senseless act. The fact that someone has brought a knife into the Easter Show is upsetting," she said.

Many people in attendance posted photos and videos of the incident to social media and police have called for any mobile phone footage to be provided to them.

"We know that there were thousands of people at the show last night and we know that there's a lot of vision that is out there," Superintendent Emerton said.

Anyone who can provide evidence, images or footage should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit their local police station.

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