Probe: A police officer investigates the crime scene.
ERIN PEARSON
NEWTOWN residents have expressed shock after an alleged assault left a 52-year-old man critically injured in their street.
Police said the victim, from Newtown, was visiting a Churchill Street property where he sustained serious head injuries, a damaged spleen, fractured ribs, punctured lungs and possible hand fractures.
Police on Wednesday charged two Newtown men, aged 52 and 36, with assault-related offences.
Geelong Magistrate Michael Coghlan released both men on conditional bail.
Geelong Police Sergeant Colin Burch said the three men had been drinking together before the alleged assault.
“A dispute occurred between two of the men and then the third person become involved, which led to one visiting man receiving serious injuries,” Sgt Burch said.
A neighbour, who did not want to be identified, said she was shocked when she woke up on Wednesday to find police in her street.
“I’ve lived in this street for 40 years and this is the first time we’ve seen anything like this. It’s usually a very good area,” the woman said.
“We just hope everyone is okay. It’s certainly a shock for us all.”
Neighbour Hayley Ruck, who has four children living in her house, also expressed concern.
“We never expected things to get as bad as this,” she said.
“Nobody expects this to happen in their street.”
A Barwon Health spokesperson said the victim was in a serious but stable condition in Geelong Hospital when the Independent went to press on Wednesday afternoon.
Police urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers by phoning 1800 333 000 or visiting crimestoppers.com.au.
