Fake police viciously assault man at Northland Shopping Centre

THREE thugs pretending to be police officers have viciously assaulted a young man in a “sickening” attack in broad daylight at Northland Shopping Centre in Preston.

THREE thugs pretending to be police officers have viciously assaulted a young man in a “sickening” attack in broad daylight.

The men jumped out of a ute at midday on June 9 and pulled the victim from his car, beating him and running away, leaving the man with cuts and bruises and screaming for help.

The 25-year-old Reservoir man, who did not want to be identified, was driving to Northland Shopping Centre on Wood St, Preston to buy his wife a present when he saw what he believed were police lights in his rear view mirror.

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An images of the victim.

He pulled over and spoke to a man through his car window, but after he was unable to wind down the window he opened his car door.

The male demanded money and when the victim refused he pulled him from the car, punched him and pushed him to the rear of the vehicle.

Two more men got out of the ute and started punching the victim as he dropped to his knees and covered his eyes with his hands.

The men then smashed his phone and drove away in the ute, leaving him on the ground dizzy and calling for help.

The victim’s older brother described the attack as “sickening” and said he had visited Wood St every day searching for the vehicle.

“When I saw him I put my hand through a window, that’s how bad he was,” he said.

“He wasn’t in a state anybody would want to see their family members.”

Police have released an image of a man they believe can help them with their inquiries.

The brother said he was now worried for the safety of his friends and family and had told them not to pull over when approached by an unmarked vehicle.

“I’ve told all my family don’t stop if it’s an undercover cop, if you have any question marks just don’t stop,” he said.

Darebin detective Senior Constable Jessica Kelly said the “brazen” assault was “concerning” but there was nothing to say the victim had been targeted.

Sen-Constable Kelly urged the public to pull over when approached by an unmarked vehicle and stressed police were still clearly identifiable.

Police are searching for the three caucasian males identified in the attack and have released an image of a man they believe can help them with their inquiries.

The male was described as in his mid-30s, tall with a solid muscular build, had spiky blonde hair and an eyebrow piercing in his right eyebrow.

Police ask anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.