Man seriously injured in Elizabeth St assault dies in hospital

A man who was violently assaulted outside a McDonalds in Melbourne’s CBD has died in hospital, while another man remains on the run.

A Seddon man who was violently attacked outside in Melbourne’s CBD on Wednesday night has died.

The homicide squad has now been called in to investigate the assault on the 44-year-old man who suffered head injuries following the fight on Wednesday night about 6.30pm.

“The Seddon man was walking on Elizabeth St from Flinders St when he was approached by a man and struck to the head,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

He was on Friday night at the Royal Melbourne Hospital on life support but did not survive.

Another man is on the run after the incident on trouble-plagued strip, with traders fearing it is only a matter of time until an incident on the strip turns deadly.

A man has died following an altercation at McDonalds on Elizabeth St Melbourne. Picture: Supplied

The scene of the incident on Elizabeth St. Picture: Supplied

Subway manager Pinder Singh, who works two doors down from McDonalds, told the Saturday Herald Sun his staff do not feel safe after Wednesday night’s attack.

“My staff were working and they’re scared to come back to work,” he said.

Mr Pinder said he has been worried for months that someone would lose their life on Elizabeth St after a man was assaulted outside the Dreams Gentlemen’s Club in December.

“Someone got attacked with a machete,” he said.

“There was a lot of blood last time.”

He added that business owners had met with police and proposed a permanent police hub be set up on the strip, but their pleas fell on deaf ears.

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a man. Picture: Supplied

Ali Raza, who owns a phone repair shop across the road on Elizabeth St, said fellow shopkeepers know that violence on the strip was “normal”.

“I think there should always be police here,” he said.

“I know when there is police patrolling the streets, there is not any mess.”

Other workers, who did not wish to be named, said police had increased their presence since Wednesday, but hoped they would permanently patrol the area moving forward.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece said: “We are aware of an incident on Elizabeth St on Wednesday evening. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, first responders and witnesses.

“Victoria Police has an active investigation underway. The City of Melbourne is assisting and will continue to help in any way possible.”

CCTV footage has been released of Todd Menegaldo, also known by the nickname “Rooster”, who detectives believe can help them with their inquiries.

Police are appealing for assistance to help locate Todd Menegaldo, who detectives believe can help them with their inquiries. Picture: Victoria Police

CCTV has been released of Todd Menegaldo. Picture: Victoria Police

Mr Menegaldo is 180-185cm tall with a thin build and has a black and white crossbreed staffordshire terrier.

He is known to frequent Elizabeth St, Flinders Street Station, Bendigo and Mildura.

He was last seen wearing a purple zip-up jumper, dark jeans and a yellow beanie.

Police are advising anyone who sights Mr Menegaldo not to approach him but instead call triple-0 immediately.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Man seriously injured in Elizabeth St assault dies in hospital