Burwood East man stabbed during failed Forest Hill phone heist

A Burwood East man had to walk nearly 2km home after he was stabbed on the street in a “horrific” attack, with the offenders now on the run.

A man from Melbourne’s east walked nearly 2km home after he was stabbed in a “horrific” attack over his mobile phone, with his family calling for the “low life scumbags” to come forward.

It comes after a 32-year-old Burwood East man — whom his family has asked not to be named — was stabbed on his way from work about 10.10pm on Thursday after he refused to hand over his phone and wallet.

The man then walked nearly 2km home where he was found by family and taken to hospital.

His father Brett said the family had lived in the area for more than 30 years and was “shocked” by the attack so close to home.

“All I can say is that they have no value for human life at all,” he said.

The victim was at Mahoneys Rd, Forest Hill when a dark SUV pulled up next to him and one of the offenders called him a “dog” and a “rat”, before demanding he hand over his phone and wallet.

The victim's sister Sarah and father Brett speak to the media on Monday as police hunt for the offenders. Picture: Erin Constable

After the victim initially refused and walked off, police say the car made a U-turn before a man, believed to be aged in his 20s, got out of the car and stabbed him multiple times.

The victim suffered stab wounds to his ear, a fractured skull and lacerations to his arm and chest.

He remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Sarah, the victim’s sister, said her older brother called her immediately after the attack.

“When I answered the phone I could tell by his voice something was wrong,” she said.

“It was a bit of a shock, I just had to work out what I needed to do.

“I just kept telling him you’ve done well, you’ve got away, get home … I just had to keep him on the phone while I was messaging my other brother to get to him.”

Box Hill detective senior constable Dean Russell said the incident was an “isolated, opportunistic attack”.

“It’s abhorrent, it’s horrific and it’s very confronting,” he said.

Box Hill detective senior constable Dean Russell said the victim and offenders were not known to each other. Picture: Erin Constable

Investigators have released CCTV of the car involved and of a man they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.

They also believe a woman may have been in the dark SUV.

Police do not believe the victim knew his attackers.

Detectives are also appealing for drivers and residents in the area to check their CCTV in the hope some capture the incident.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam or CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.