Victoria Police are appealing for public assistance to identify a family of seven – a man, woman, and up to five children – who allegedly removed QR codes and assaulted members of the public at Slater Reserve yesterday.
Detectives from Whitehorse Crime Investigation Unit have been told a 51-year-old woman along with a 43-year-old woman, and two 12-year-old girls were having a picnic at Slater Reserve on Grosvenor Street around 4.30pm on Thursday.
“A man and woman and up to five children believed to be aged between 8 and 15 arrived at the park and began swearing at the 12-year-old girls and removing QR codes from the park fencing,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
“The 51-year-old woman approached the group and asked them to stop but the group began verbally abusing the woman.
“The 43-year-old friend attempted to step in, but she was set upon by one of the young girls of the group who began swiping at the victim trying to remove her face mask and kicking her.”
Police say the 51-year-old was then placed in a headlock by the offending woman and dragged to the ground before she was kicked by other members of group.
“Two males came to the aid of the victims but were threatened by the male holding the dog.”
“He verbally threatened the men before setting the dog on to them which resulted in both males being bitten on the hand by the dog.
“The offending group then fled were last seen leaving the park and heading towards the vicinity of Grosvenor Street and Rialton Avenue.”
An ambulance crew attended the scene and treated the four adults for their injuries.
Investigators have released images of the two adults wanted in relation to the incident (pictured).
The man is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance and was wearing black track pants with distinctive stripes on the side, a black t-shirt and runners. He had a sleeve tattoo on his left arm and a bald head with a goatee.
The woman is perceived to be Caucasian and was wearing a long black jacket and black pants. She had long dark hair and aged in her 30’s to 40’s.
Police are also appealing to any witnesses or anyone who may have been in the park or surrounding area at the time who may have witnessed this incident and may have captured on mobile phone to contact police.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
