A teenager is clinging to life after being stabbed outside shops in Melbourne.

Authorities were called to the Box Hill plaza on Main Street just before 4.30pm after the man was stabbed.

He has been taking to hospital with life threatening injuries.

Authorities were called shortly before 4.30pm. (9NEWS)

Bloody footprints could be seen near where the stabbing occurred. (9NEWS)

Police blocked off the area after they arrived. (9NEWS)

The circumstances surrounding the stabbing are unclear.

Images from the 9NEWS chopper show bloody footprints leading away from where the stabbing occurred.

Police have not made any arrests.