Anti-vaxxer pushes retail worker down escalator

A man in a rainbow hoodie is being hunted by police after allegedly assaulting a bookstore worker over vaccine mandates.

Police have asked for public help to identify a man who pushed a bookshop worker down an escalator after an argument about vaccine mandates.

CCTV footage captured the incident at the Dymocks store on Collins St about 12pm on November 26.

A staff member asks a man for his vaccination certificate.

Police said a man in a rainbow-coloured hoodie entered the store and argued with the worker, who had approached to check his vaccine passport.

The man then pushed the worker in the chest, causing him to fall down the moving escalator.

A Victoria Police spokesman said the man is perceived to be caucasian with light-blond facial hair.

At the time he was wearing the distinctive rainbow hoodie with black pants and runners.

It’s understood the worker was left unconscious and needed to be treated for a mild concussion.

The incident is just the latest example of a spike in abuse directed at retail staff, who have to enforce vaccination status upon entry.

After an argument he pushes the staff member down the escalator.

Premier Daniel Andrews last week he expected Victoria Police to “throw the book” at the perpetrator, and anyone else found to be abusing retail staff.

“No one should be treated that way and we send our best wishes to that member of staff,” Mr Andrews said.

The man continues walking, leaving the staff member unconscious.

The man then makes his way out of the store.

The man police wish to speak to over the incident.

“They’re just doing their job. It’s a cowardly and shameful thing, and I’d expect the police to throw the book at anyone behaving that way. It’s just appalling.

“It’s just wrong to behave in that way.”

Mr Andrews said the vaccinated economy was currently serving a “useful purpose” but that it would not remain in place forever.

“We review it regularly and we’ll have more to say at the appropriate time,” he said.

“It’s not indefinite.”

Anyone who recognises the man or with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.