By BRIDGET COOK
A YOUNG man has to undergo surgery after he had his leg broken when he was bashed outside Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre on the weekend.
The 24-year-old Cranbourne man was pushed to the ground, punched and kicked several times in the upstairs car park following a verbal exchange with a group of people in the shopping centre earlier.
Police are now appealing for witnesses to the assault, which occurred about 1.50pm on Saturday, to try and identify the offenders.
The victim, who did not want to be named, said he was grocery shopping with his sister when it all unfolded.
He said he was pushing a shopping trolley along, when there was a family in his way and he said something to them along the lines of ‘watch where you’re going’.
“I know I didn’t say it in the most polite tone, but I was just frustrated as it had been happening all day,” he said.
“I’ve been suffering from depression and it hadn’t been a good day.
“I know I could have been polite, but it did not warrant what happened after that.”
The man said later on when he was returning to his car, one of the family members was in the car park staring at him before setting upon him.
“I was trying so hard not to look at him,” he said.
“Just as I got to my car, he came running up to me and pushed me onto the ground.
“I was punched several times to the head and kicked as well.
“I just kept saying ‘sorry,sorry’ so he would stop.
“I was on the ground – I think there were either one or two people involved.”
The man was unable to get up after the attack as his leg was fractured, so his sister called emergency services.
He was taken to Casey Hospital to be treated for the broken leg, which has to undergo surgery.
The man said he was shocked that the whole thing had occurred.
“It’s disgusting and pathetic that someone would assault someone like that, really over nothing,” he said.
“I know I shouldn’t have said what I said or at least been more polite, but it still doesn’t give anyone the right to assault you over it.
“I’m more annoyed than anything right now.
“I’m stuck in hospital and won’t be able to do anything for a long time.
“I currently doing a course, so I can’t go to that either, which will put me behind.”
Police have urged anyone with information about the assault to contact them.
Police described one of the men involved as being of Maori or Islander appearance, about 18-years-old, thin build, medium height, short dark hair and wearing black pants and grey top.
Another man was described as also being of Maori or Islander appearance and about the same age.
Police believe they were also with a woman, described as being about 40-years-old, or Maori or Islander appearance, large build and wearing a pink top and pants.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
