Police hope to identify man believed to be involved in alleged assault, robbery

A pedestrian was allegedly knocked unconscious after being distracted by two women before waking up in bushland and being seriously assaulted by a group demanding his phone and credit card

DETECTIVES are on the hunt for a man believed to be involved in an alleged group attack and serious assault in Shepparton last month.

Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit detectives on Friday released an image of a man they are hoping to identify as part of their ongoing investigation into the incident, which took place about 1am on Saturday, July 23.

Police understand a 42-year-old man was approached by two women as he was walking along the Midland Highway.

As he reached the intersection with Fryers Street, the women engaged him in a conversation before he is believed to have been struck over the head and knocked unconscious.

Police said the man woke in nearby bushland, where he was then allegedly seriously assaulted by a woman and two men.

The woman allegedly demanded he hand over his phone and credit card, police said.

The victim was able to break free of the group and get to the local police station.

Police have since charged a woman, aged 39, and teenage boy, aged 17, but are yet to identify the third male believed to be involved.

Police image

They hope the computer-generated image of the unknown male, believed to be aged between 40 and 50, will help them to close the case.

The man is described as Caucasian with brown eyes, a small build, dark hair and dark but greying facial hair.

The 39-year-old woman was charged with robbery, assault in company, fail to answer bail and commit indictable offence whilst on bail and was remanded to appear at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court later this month.

The teenage boy was charged with intentionally cause serious injury, intentionally cause injury and commit indictable offence whilst on bail. He was been bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date.

Police also spoke with a 15-year-old girl but she was released pending further enquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.