Bashing caught on film
A HOMELESS man in Geelong has been bashed in an attack that was filmed and posted on social media.
The sickening assault is understood to have happened on Moorabool St on Wednesday night.
In a video posted to Facebook, a man is seen punching the victim to the head at least eight times.
The victim, 47 — wearing a blanket — tries to protect his head as the attacker shouts: “Get the f--- up. I’m going to punch the f--- out of you.”
Superintendent Craig Gillard said police were aware of the incident and had launched an investigation.
“Police are appalled at this behaviour and violent assault and commit to ensuring the offenders are held accountable for their actions,” Supt Gillard said.
In the 19-second video, two men are captured talking to the camera.
Last night, 7 News aired a video reported to be of one of the alleged attackers, who claimed the men were not at fault for the incident.
“We were not in the wrong here, we were defending ourselves,” he said.
“We tried letting it go. We wouldn’t normally do that, but he pushed us.”
Last night, victim Scott — who did not provide his surname — told the Geelong Advertiser he did not know the men or why he was assaulted.
Scott escaped with minor injuries to his head and said he did not want to press charges against his attackers.
“It doesn’t matter . . . I gave a statement of no complaint (to police),” he said.
But Victoria Police said they would pursue the men.
In a post on the Geelong police Eyewatch page on Facebook, officers said they had spoken to the victim and the offenders had been identified. “These offenders will be interviewed about this matter in due course,” a post said.
Footage of the assault caused shock and outrage on social media, with one Geelong resident posting: “This makes me want to move far far away and never return.”
Any witnesses to the assault are asked to contact either the Geelong Police Station on 5225 3100 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.