Hunt for attackers after savage bashing leaves man fighting for life
Police are hunting a gang of thugs who they say violently bashed a man in the early hours of Sunday morning, leaving him fighting for life in hospital.
It is believed the victim was lured into stopping in his car before he was set upon in the pre-dawn attack at King Street in West Melbourne, which police described as “brutal” and “confronting”.
Just before 5am Sunday, a 27-year-old man was cornered by a group of thugs and then bashed.
The victim was found lying in the middle of the road by a passing paramedic crew.
Witness Hugh Murrey had just arrived home from a night out.
He said the scene looked like something from a movie.
“The victims looked pretty distraught and I just saw the body lying on the ground,” Mr Murrey told 7News.
“Everyone was just confused we didn’t really know what was happening.”
Witnesses said the attack was savage and sustained.
They said it was so horrific it looked as if someone was “chopping wood”.
It is believed the victim and his friend drove north on King Street when a red Subaru overtook their Toyota, slowing down until finally stopping.
A maroon Mitsubishi then parked behind the victim’s car, leaving the pair with nowhere to go.
Forensic police found traces of blood across the back seat on Sunday morning.
It is believed the victim may have been attacked inside the car before he was assaulted on the ground.
“We’re not sure why he’s gotten out of his car. He’s been confronted by a group of African males where he was hit in the head and seriously assaulted,” Acting Detective Sergeant Simon Watts said.
Police are now calling for witnesses to come forward if they have any information.
The victim remains fighting for life at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition, with serious head injuries.
Police say they are following a number of leads, but the gang who unleashed this shocking attack remain at large.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the online reporting page.
