Police in Victoria are searching for four young males following a cruel gang attack on a homeless man in Bendigo. The victim ran for his life but was unable to escape, and was left staggering with stab wounds until Good Samaritans came to his aid.
Attack Details
The brutal assault occurred at 9pm on Thursday in the heart of Bendigo, when four teenagers set upon the 41-year-old homeless man. The victim initially fought back but quickly realised his situation was hopeless and ran for his life. However, the young thugs chased him down and the attack became relentless. The man was allegedly stabbed repeatedly before he eventually managed to escape, stumbling through the streets searching for help.
He found assistance 500 metres away at Bendigo’s Sporting Globe, where staff and patrons immediately provided first aid until paramedics arrived.
Response from Authorities
Detective Acting Sergeant Justin Ludeman stated: “He may not have known at the time what the extent of his injuries were and then ultimately started to succumb to the seriousness of his injuries once he got to that licensed premises. The actions by the patrons and the staff members at that premises ultimately assisted in potentially saving his life.”
Local residents expressed shock at the violent attack occurring in their city. “To happen in Bendigo is just staggering. I mean you hear it often in Melbourne but... yeah, shocking,” one local said. Premier Jacinta Allan commented: “That was an absolutely horrifying incident and my thoughts are with the victim.”
Previous Incident
The incident comes just months after another homeless man was found bleeding at the doorstep of a local business, in a stabbing that occurred just 100 metres from this latest attack. Police have vowed to hold the offenders accountable. “We arrest offenders, we charge offenders and we put them before the courts so they can be held accountable for their actions,” Ludeman said.
