Chinese delivery rider, 47, killed after confrontation over bicycles in Melbourne, man, 51, arrested

A 47-year-old Chinese food delivery rider died following an altercation in Melbourne, Australia, on Nov. 6.

The man, identified as Feng Jianming, was pronounced dead at the scene along Frederick Way, near Queen Victoria Market, according to news.com.au.

Another delivery rider, aged 34, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A 51-year-old man from Footscray was arrested on Nov. 7 and taken into custody for questioning.

Confrontation over bicycles

According to Victoria Police, two men believed to be food delivery riders spotted another man allegedly tampering with their bicycles along Frederick Way.

The riders confronted the man, who was not believed to be known to them, before an altercation broke out at around 8:10pm.

Emergency services were subsequently called to the scene, where one of the riders was found with suspected stab wounds.

Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, and he died at the scene.

Police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Victim was supporting family in China

Feng worked as a delivery rider for food delivery platform HungryPanda and was reportedly collecting an order from a Chinese restaurant when the incident occurred.

According to news.com.au, Feng had moved to Australia to earn money for his family in China.

His friend Catherine Wang told The Herald Sun that Feng was "incredibly kind, warm-hearted and patient".

"He took his work very seriously, and everyone who met him could easily become his friend," she said.

Feng's wife, surnamed Xu, told 7News that her husband had planned to work in Australia for several years to support their children and elderly parents.

"He was the main breadwinner in our family. Now that he's gone, we don't know what to do," she said.

Feng had reportedly planned to return to China when his son got married.

Fundraiser launched for family

The Melbourne Chinatown Business Association (MCBA) has started a GoFundMe campaign to support Feng's family.

According to the association, Feng moved to Australia from a village in China's Shaanxi province around 2017.

MCBA said Feng rarely spent money on himself, instead sending his earnings back to his family in China.

"No family should have to experience this, especially when their loved one was simply trying to earn an honest living," the association said.

HungryPanda also expressed condolences following his death.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the deceased, as well as to his family and loved ones," the company said in a statement cited by news.com.au.

Chinese consulate calls for investigation

The Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne has called for a thorough investigation into Feng's death, according to 7News.

It said it had activated its emergency consular assistance procedures and contacted Feng's family to offer support.

"The Consulate-General is deeply saddened by the death of the compatriot and extends sincere condolences to the family," it said.

It added that it would remain in contact with local authorities and help with arrangements following Feng's death.