Passenger’s ribs broken in train attack

– Kelly Yates
POLICE are on the hunt for a group of 15 youths who attacked a passenger and broke three of his ribs.
He was assaulted on Wednesday night last week on a city bound train between Cranbourne station and Merinda Park station.
Police said the 50-year-old man got on the train at Dandenong station in order to get to Merinda Park.
However, he fell asleep and awoke to find he had missed his destination and was at Cranbourne station.
He then boarded a city bound train about 9pm.
Police said the man was seated in the second last carriage when he was approached by about 15 male and female youths who kicked and punched him.
The man got off the train at Merinda Park station and contacted police.
He was taken to Dandenong Hospital where he was treated for four broken ribs.
Connex spokeswoman Kate De Clercq confirmed that Connex was aware of the reported assault.
She said Connex had provided the police with CCTV footage.
Ms De Clercq said assaults on Connex property were rare but could occur at any time of the day, anywhere across the network.
“Society does not stop at the edge of Connex property. All types of people use public transport,” she said.
“We work closely with the state government, Victoria Police, Transit Police, local councils and the community to provide a safe environment for all our customers.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or Senior Detective Anna Dolan at Transit Police on 9247 6953.