A Norwegian man's dream of a sunny Australian Christmas was shattered by a brutal daylight assault at one of Melbourne's most iconic beaches, forcing him to cut his holiday short and return home.
Violent Attack at Popular Pier
The 34-year-old overseas visitor was approached by a group of at least eight people on St Kilda pier around 1pm on December 18. The situation quickly escalated into a physical altercation near Pier Rd. During the assault, the victim's mobile phone was stolen and later discarded into the water.
Broken Arm and Circulating Video
The attack, captured in a video that has since circulated on social media, left the man with a broken arm. He required hospital treatment for his injuries. The assailants fled the scene before police could arrive, leaving the victim injured on the pier.
Victoria Police have since released CCTV images of four individuals they urgently wish to speak to in connection with the violent robbery. The group includes:
- Three young men
- One young woman, described as wearing a red bikini at the time
All four are believed to be in their late teens or early 20s.
Appeal to Bystanders and Cut-Short Holiday
Investigators believe there were a large number of bystanders present during the incident and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. The assault had a profound impact on the victim's travel plans.
Police confirmed the man had intended to spend Christmas in Australia but, following the traumatic event, made the decision to return to Norway. This violent incident has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a festive holiday experience.
Anyone with information about the assault or who can identify the individuals in the released images is urged to contact Crime Stoppers immediately.