Disguised robbers beat Vic man with hammer
A Melbourne man had all his front teeth knocked out when he was bashed with a hammer by robbers in disguise.
Police believe the two attackers, who made off with the man's phone and some cash, might have disguised themselves as tradies to blend in with a high number of construction workers in the Carlton area.
"They may have dressed in workwear to conceal their identity because it is a high construction area," Detective Senior Constable Duane Hagger told reporters on Tuesday.
He didn't rule out that the men were actually tradies.
The daylight attack occurred in March but police are yet to find the pair after speaking to a number of witnesses.
The 55-year-old victim, only known as John, said he has been forced to wear dentures after losing his teeth in the assault and also suffered a broken arm, bruising and cuts.
He was on his way to get milk in the morning when the men, wearing hoodies and high-vis workwear, set upon him.
"I was basically beaten, kicked and bashed," John told reporters.
The father-of-four said the pair didn't speak to him during the attack and only backed off and ran away when witnesses rushed to help.
"It seemed like eternity," John said.
"I don't understand why they would do such a thing. I wouldn't wish this on anyone."
He believed the men were dressed in disguise.
"The inside of me says it was just a facade," John said.
The men are described as Middle Eastern in appearance, aged in their late 20s to 30s and about 175cm tall.
