African teens strike near Victorian parliament in Melbourne’s CBD

A 27-year-old man was bashed and robbed by up to 12 youths of African appearance less than 1km from Victoria’s parliament.

A man has been bashed and robbed by a gang of African youths in Melbourne’s CBD.

A 27-year-old man has been bashed by up to a dozen youths of African appearance less than a kilometre away from Victoria’s state parliament.

The victim was approached by youths at the intersection of Flinders St and Spring St this morning, at 6am, as he was paying for a parking ticket, which is 550m from Parliament House in Melbourne.

“One of the youths asked the victim the time as the rest of the group surrounded him demanding his wallet, mobile phone and car keys,” a police spokeswoman said.

“The victim handed over the items but was assaulted when he refused to tell them where his car was parked.”

The youths ran off towards Treasury Gardens, adjacent to the office of Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and the Melbourne offices of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and other federal ministers.

The youths have been described as being of African appearance and wearing dark-coloured clothing. They are also said to be in their late teens.

“The victim was assessed by Ambulance Victoria paramedics but did not require hospital treatment,” a police spokeswoman said.

Police have appealed for witnesses and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 300.