Thugs attack man

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a Pakenham man suffered head injuries when he was attacked on Sunday night outside his home.
The 40-year-old victim was set upon by a man and a group of youths who were reportedly heading west down Kosta Boda Boulevard towards the victim’s house about 9.30pm on Sunday night.
Detective Senior Constable Dave Mealia said the man was now in a serious condition in The Alfred hospital, recovering from multiple fractures to his face and head.
“He had some bleeding on the brain and is in a serious but stable condition in hospital,” St Sen Const Mealia said.
Investigators have been told that the man was talking to a 32-year-old Pakenham man when they were approached by a group of four teenage boys and a girl who were pushing a shopping trolley.
The group dumped the trolley on the street and were told by one of the men that they should not leave it there.
“The men were asked not to leave the shopping trolley and a verbal exchange occurred and two of the four males attempted to engage the two victims in a fight,” Det Sen Const Mealia said.
“Another vehicle arrived at the scene, believed to be driven by the father of one of the four males, who was driving a small white hatchback.
“He approached one of the victims and punched him, leading the victim to fall on the ground and hit his head.”
The victim was further assaulted by two of the four youths as he lay on the ground.
Police said he suffered facial injuries and was unconscious when the man who assaulted him attempted to assault the second victim.
Police have released a likeness of the driver of the car.
Investigators believe that the group were all aged in their late teens and walked from the area after the assault.
The man from the car is described as being Maori or Pacific Islander, 45 years old, about 183cm tall, with solid build and short dark hair.
At the time of the alleged offence, he was wearing a red T-shirt and glasses.
Two of the youths were described as being of Maori or Pacific Islander descent, aged between 16 years and 18 years and with short dark hair.
Anyone who witnessed the event is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Cardinia CIU on 5945 2553.