Police hunt cowards over serious assault

Detectives from Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance as they continue to investigate a serious assault in Southbank earlier this month.

It’s believed a Footscray West man was approached by an unknown group of males about 1.35am on the corner of Clarendon St and City Rd on Sunday, January 19.

The Footscray West man was punched and he fell to the ground, hitting his head on the concrete.

The 28-year-old was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries where he remains in a critical condition.

Detectives believe there would have been a large number of people moving through the area at the time of the assault and are appealing to anyone who was in the area between 1:30am to 1:45am to contact police.

Investigators are particularly keen to hear from motorists who may have dash-cam footage around the time of the assault, and are appealing to any taxi, ride share drivers, cyclists or any other motorists who were in the area to also contact police.

It is also believed a tram was stationary at a tram stop on Clarendon St at the time of the assault; detectives would like to contact any passengers who were on board the tram in the hope of identifying further witnesses.

The Clarendon St and City Rd intersection is renowned for late night activity on weekends, with Xe54 nightclub underneath Urban Central hostel, a 24-hour McDonalds and Crown Casino all within close proximity.

No arrests have been made at this stage and the investigation is ongoing •