Victoria Police have released a shocking image showing the injuries sustained by a 52-year-old woman after she was kicked in the back by a complete stranger in Melton.
The victim is shown in a hospital bed with bruising and abrasions to her face.
Police say she was so badly injured that she required surgery after the unprovoked attack.
Police are now hunting her attacker, releasing images of the man, who is seen riding a bicycle and wearing a blue hoodie sweatshirt and black pants.
“Melton Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following an unprovoked assault on a woman in Melton earlier this week,” Victoria Police said.
Investigators have been told the woman was walking along Unitt Street when a man on a pushbike approached her from behind and kicked her in the back around 3pm on Tuesday.
“The attack caused the woman to fall forward onto concrete, the force of which resulted in serious injuries,” police said.
Bystanders stopped to assist the woman.
“The offender rode off in the company of a second male who was also travelling on a push bike.”
Police have released CCTV footage depicting two males detectives believe could assist with enquiries and still images of the male who kicked the woman.
The first male is believed to be aged in his late teens to early 20s, was wearing a bright blue hooded jumper, black backpack, black cap, dark coloured pants and was riding a black push bike.
“The second male was also perceived to be in their late teens to early 20s, wearing a grey hooded jumper, beige cap, dark coloured pants and shoes and was riding a black push bike.”
Anyone who recognises these males, witnessed the assault or has any information that could assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
