Gang of youths erupt into brawl in broad daylight on Bay Street

CCTV footage shows a group of youths in balaclavas hanging out of the sunroof of a car as it drove along Bay Street in Port Melbourne, before the attack in broad daylight around school pick-up time yesterday.

It is believed that they were looking for their targets. The car then stopped and several people, including one person who appeared to be carrying a large knife, jumped out and started running.

Police were then called at around 3.15pm to reports of an attack on Lalor Street, just a few hundred meters away.

It is understood that the group of six hooded thugs chased two young people down the street.

Witnesses said the group violently attacked the pair with a pole and a machete.

“It was a commotion… there was shouting,” resident Hilary told 9News.

“I left South Africa to avoid the violence and crime I witnessed… I moved to Britain, I witnessed the same thing and now it’s right on my doorstep in Australia.”

A tradie tried to intervene by throwing rocks and a sledgehammer at the melee, breaking the sunroof of the stolen car.

But he said one of the thugs took the tool and used it as a weapon

Families say they huddled in their homes in fear as the violent scenes unfolded on their doorsteps.

“My daughter was traumatized,” Hilary said.

“We need boots on the ground. We need a heavier police presence.”

“It looks like a scene from Syria,” he said of the images

The beaten, bloodied victim tried to hide in George Tsingos’ store.

“A young guy came in and said, ‘Please, please, they’re after me, hide me,’” Tsingos said.

“I said, ‘Get out of the store, get out! I’m calling the police.’

“Lock them up, throw away the key. They are not being punished harshly enough. Are we looking at the laws? Ms. Allan?”

Witnesses said the group fled the area in a white Haval SUV, which was later spotted at Junction Oval in St Kilda.

Police believe the SUV was stolen from a gym in Clyde North on April 18.

The group, including the targets of the attack, left the scene before police arrived.

“No victims have come forward to report the incident to police,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

“There were no reports of any weapons being involved.”

Police are calling on victims to come forward not only so that they can further investigate the incident, but also to ensure that the victims receive proper medical treatment.

The car has not been found, police said

No arrests have been made

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