Police probing assault ‘leads’: ‘Sensational’ response to appeal for information

ERIN PEARSON
GEELONG police believe they are another step closer to catching a man who violently assaulted a university student in the central city area, according to investigators.
Police launched a statewide appeal for public assistance this week after the attacker left his 20-year-old victim with severe facial fractures on May 29.
A nearby security surveillance camera caught images of the assault.
Police investigators established the victim was in Ryrie Street with a friend around 1.30am when a shirtless man approached them before knocking the student unconscious.
He was taken to Geelong Hospital suffering a broken jaw, nose and eye socket.
Police said the victim underwent surgery late last week to inset a metal plate into his face.
Officers released the graphic video footage of the assault earlier this week in the hope of attracting information.
Geelong Police Detective Senior Sergeant Dave McTaggart said the appeal for assistance had provided detectives with leads.
“We’ve had a sensational response from the public after we released the video footage and are working through all the information now,” Det Snr Sgt McTaggart said.
Police described the offender as 18 to 25 years old, approximately 160cm tall, of medium build and with a tattoo on his chest and stomach.
Det Snr Sgt McTaggart said the unprovoked assault had shocked police.
“At that time on a Saturday night it’s highly likely alcohol or drugs were involved,” he said.
“It’s not normal behaviour to be dancing around shirtless and then assault someone walking by.”
Police were yet to arrest anyone in relation to the assault when the Independent went to pres on Wednesday afternoon.
Det Snr Sgt McTaggart urged anyone with information to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.