Masked teens attack man, police manhunt in Bendigo

Emergency services were called to Bendigo’s Sporting Globe Bar and Grill in Victoria about 9pm on Thursday, after the injured man rushed into the venue to escape his attackers. The unidentified man, 41, was rushed to hospital in a serious but stable condition, as police confirmed a manhunt is underway for the masked teens. CCTV showed six teens approaching the man as he stood in a dark alleyway, before they pushed the stumbling man to his knees. The man was seen initially trying to defend

himself before realising he was outnumbered and cornered by the group. He was slashed in the upper body before managing to escape and making a break for it. The victim travelled around 500m on foot before stumbling into The Sporting Globe on Hargreaves St where he received basic first aid inside the venue. The footage shows another man with the victim at the time of the altercation, who appears to have escaped without injury despite being shoved by one of the teens. In a statement,

Victoria Police said they failed to find the suspects. “At this stage it is believed the victim, who has been living on the streets, was set upon by up to six offenders following an altercation in Bath Lane. “It appears the man made his way from the laneway to the sports bar and sought assistance after the offenders, who are believed to be teenagers, fled the scene. “A search of the area failed to find those involved.” Speaking to reporters, Detective Acting Sergeant Justin Ludeman

said the behaviour was “extremely cowardly.” “This male is just going about his everyday business and he appears to have just been set upon by these males. “Any member of the public just going about their day-to-day business to be seemingly [the victim of an] unprovoked attack is disturbing.’ He insisted there was no ongoing threat to the public. “The nature, the style of offending, attempting to cover their identity, I understand that would put fear into the general public but police are conducting reassurance

checks, and we believe it is an isolated incident,” he said. The detective added that the man may have died if it wasn’t for the quick-thinking bar staff who rushed to his aid. Sporting Globe Bendigo praised the efforts of staff, who remained “deeply concerned” by the incident. “Our staff acted immediately, initiating first aid to support the man and contacted emergency services. We are co-operating with Victoria Police and will continue to provide any support they require,” they said. “Our thoughts are with the

man, and anyone affected by this incident. As this matter is the subject of a police investigation, we are unable to make any further comment.” Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, who is also the MP for Bendigo, condemned the “horrifying” attack. “That was an absolutely horrifying incident and my thoughts are with the victim and their family and loved ones,” she said. “I’m advised that police are investigating, and if there is anyone in the community who can assist police in that investigation I would encourage

them to provide any information they may have.” Police have urged anyone with information to come forward or call Crime Stoppers.

Bendigo, Sporting Globe Bar and Grill, Victoria Police, manhunt, masked teens, Bath Lane, Hargreaves St, Crime Stoppers