Police are hunting a gang of youths who allegedly knocked a teen’s teeth out, robbed him, and then went for kebabs.
James Richter, a 19-year-old university student, allegedly had his wallet, backpack and phone stolen by the group of up to eight teenagers of African appearance.
The men allegedly approached Mr Richter as he was walking through Lincoln Square Park in Carlton in Melbourne’s inner-north.
Police are hunting a gang of youths (pictured are people the police wish to speak to over the incident) who allegedly knocked a teen’s teeth out, robbed him, and then went for kebabs
Mr Richter (pictured) was allegedly forced to lie on the ground while he was robbed of his possessions, and the male suspect then demanded he unlock his iPhone
One male – 190cm tall and wearing a black puffer jacket and black beanie – allegedly punched first-year business student several times in the face, knocking out multiple teeth and injuring his eye socket.
Mr Richter was allegedly forced to lie on the ground while he was robbed of his possessions, and the male suspect then demanded he unlock his iPhone.
After the group left the park the bleeding student made his way to a tram stop where a woman helped him call Triple-Zero.
Police believe the alleged attackers then used the Mr Richter’s credit card at a kebab shop and convenience store in nearby Fitzroy a short time later.
The 19-year-old victim allegedly had his wallet, backpack and phone stolen by the group of up to eight teenagers of African appearance (pictured are the men police want to speak to in relation to the incident)
The men allegedly approached the victim as he walked through a park (pictured is one of the men police want to speak to in relation to the incident)
CCTV images released by Victoria Police show the suspects loitering in the take-away shop and appearing to order kebabs.
Mr Richter told Daily Mail Australia the attack has affected the way he feels walking around at night, but only slightly.
‘I don’t feel 100% safe but I’m not going to be discouraged from walking at night, I’ll just alter my habits and think through my route,’ he said.
Mr Richter (pictured) told Daily Mail Australia the attack has affected the way he feels walking around at night, but only slightly
He also said he would like to know why the group attacked him.
‘Perhaps more research is need to find the stem of the problem as to why these African youths would rob people at random,’ he said.
The incident happened at 9:30pm on Saturday September 16.
Anyone who recognises the males or who has any information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The incident happened at 9:30pm on Saturday September 16 at Lincoln Square Park (pictured) in Carlton in Melbourne’s inner-north.