Mooroolbark grandfather dies after savage Christmas bashing

Police are combing a neighbourhood in Melbourne’s east for the weapons used to savagely bash a grandfather in front of his family on Christmas Day.

Police are searching a Mooroolbark neighbourhood for weapons as they ramp up their investigation into the bashing death of a loving grandad on Christmas night.

Homicide squad detectives and the SES are currently conducting a line search for weapons along Esther Cres and surrounding streets in relation to the death of 50-year-old Anthony Clark.

Investigators are also appealing to residents to check their property for weapons or foreign objects that could be linked to the deadly attack.

The weapons search comes as Mr Clark’s family release new video of the grandfather of six smiling and celebrating Christmas with relatives in Mooroolbark, hours before the attack.

Other happy snaps show him smiling with loved ones, including wife Sue Clark, 59, who was also hospitalised following the fatal bashing.

Homicide investigators have been told up to eight people were involved in the altercation that ended Mr Clark’s life.

At this stage no one has been charged.

“Homicide Squad detectives, along with assistance from the SES, are today conducting a line search along Esther Crescent and surrounding streets as part of the investigation,” said a Victoria Police spokesperson.

“Police are particularly searching for any weapons or items which may have been used in the 25 December affray.

“They are also asking for residents in the local area who has located, sighted, or has knowledge of any weapons used in the affray, or has located any foreign objects on their property which could have been used as weapons, to contact police.”

Mr Clarkdied at the Royal Melbourne Hospital surrounded by family on Sunday.

In his final selfless act, he donated his vital organs to those in desperate need.

His stepson, Dan Rae, told the Herald Sun his stepdad was generous to the very end.

“He donated his heart, pancreas, liver and kidneys … saving the life of one and helping the lives of four others,” said Mr Rae.

“It’s a big thing.”

Mr Clark and his family were allegedly set upon by a pack of young males armed with baseball bats and bottles late on Christmas night.

The ambush was triggered by fireworks set off in the street and left him brain dead, with no chance of recovery.

Up to 15 males were allegedly involved in the armed assault. An 18-year-old Mooroolbark man was arrested and later released without charge.

Mr Clark’s stepdaughter, Jessikah Clark said she’s heartbroken over the attack. Picture: Sarah Matray

No further arrests have taken place.

His devastated partner, Sue, kept vigil by Mr Clark’s bedside in hospital, and told the Sunday Herald Sun “they have taken my man”.

“My whole world has been turned upside down,” Ms Clark said, before his death.

Stepdaughter Jessikah Clark said their lives would never be the same.

“We have lost the best man in our whole lives,” she said. “Mum is with him in hospital just lying there and praying but he’s pretty much gone.

“No one should have to die on the street on Christmas Day just for looking after his wife and kids.”

Mr Clark was left unconscious in a pool of blood after he was allegedly stomped on and beaten with baseball bats on Esther Crescent shortly before 11pm.

His wife ran to his aid and she was allegedly “thrown around like a rag doll” before being knocked out in their driveway which is monitored by CCTV.

Mr Clark and his grand daughter. Picture: Supplied

Mr Clark on his wedding day with wife Sue. Picture: Supplied

The altercation is believed to have involved up to 15 males linked to a home close to the Clark’s property.

Jessikah said her dad “never stood a chance” against the armed thugs.

“They knocked my mum out in the driveway straight away,” she said.

“They had bats, they smashed my car. They hit me and four went my dad all at once.

“One was stomping him and now he is going to die.”

Neighbours Lisa and Anthony Tallentyre phoned triple-0.

“It was very loud,” Ms Tallentyre said. “There was a lot of yelling and screaming.

“He was lying on the ground, not moving and there were people yelling: ‘Is he breathing? Has he got a pulse?’”

Police are investigating the attack, which was sparked after fireworks set off in the street caused a dog to start barking.

The scene of the attack in Bulga St. Picture: Sarah Matray

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Jessikah, her brother and their partners allegedly sought retribution in the street two days later.

Each was charged with affray and bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on May 25.

Mr Clark had nine children and six grandchildren, including an 11-week-old girl.

Hours before the attack, he was photographed smiling as he held his granddaughter, Laylah, in the air and napping with his infant granddaughter, Aaliyah, on his lap. Laylah turned three on Friday.

“He would do anything for anyone,” Jessikah said. “He loved his family. He adored my mum.”

Mr Clark’s body will be examined by the coroner. The police investigation continues.

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Originally published as Mooroolbark grandfather dies after savage Christmas bashing