Peter K’nell, 47, bashed to the point in memory loss outside Dandenong petrol station

A Dandenong man who was jumped and assaulted by a group of thugs has suffered severe memory loss after the incident where he was “left to die”.

A Dandenong man was “left to die” after a wild gang bashing outside a petrol station, with his family fearing he has suffered long-term injuries including memory loss.

Peter K’nell spent multiple days in the ICU after he was attacked and robbed by five thugs outside a petrol station on Princes Hwy, Princess Hwy, Dandenong.

Mr K’nell was about 200m from the petrol station where he had pulled out cash when he was jumped by the group who took his money and phone after the brutal attack, knocking him unconscious with a hit to the head with a baseball bat.

He was able to walk himself back to the petrol station where paramedics were called.

Mr K’nell’s cousin Dean — who has been caring for him for the past week — told the Herald Sun since leaving hospital Mr K’nell has suffered memory loss, looking for his dead mother around the house.

Peter K'Nell was bashed and left to die outside a petrol station on the Princes Hwy, Dandenong. Picture: Supplied

“He’s forgetting where he’s put things, what he’s doing and just a lot of basic things,” Dean K’nell said.

“Sometimes he’s actually looking around the house asking where his mum is, which is really heartbreaking.

“I think that hit to the head was the hardest blow and what’s caused that memory loss.

“When he hears unexplained noises he freaks out a bit as well.”

Among the injuries Mr K’nell suffered that kept him in the ICU for three days included internal bleeding.

An online fundraiserwas organised to help Mr K’nell in his recovery but has since been removed by GoFundMe.

Assault related offences increased by 10 per cent in Greater Dandenong, according to the Crime Statistics Agency.

Dean K’nell said he hoped to raise funds to organise for his cousin to get regular care while at home.

“We’re trying to get him a smaller place to live,” he said.

“I’ve been staying with him for a week and he’s finding it really hard to do anything.

“I want to see if I can get a nurse or something to come and spend more time with him and look after him.

“I’m also waiting for him to get a bit better so we can go to the police and he can tell them what happened.”

No arrests have been made.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au