By XAVIER SMERDON
POLICE are on the hunt for five youths who went on an alcohol fuelled violent rampage in Werribee earlier this month.
In the early hours of Saturday 14 September up to five youths got out of a taxi opposite Mynt Lounge in Watton St and attacked a man who was waiting at the taxi rank, stealing his mobile phone.
Detective Sergeant Matthew Kershaw from the Wyndham Crime Investigation Unit told Star one of the five attackers pulled a knife out during the incident that left the 18-year-old victim with “serious injuries”, including severe bruising, swelling and lacerations to the face.
The unknown youths then walked down to the Hungry Jacks restaurant in Watton St where they attacked another innocent man.
Nothing was stolen from the second man but the group injured him so badly that he was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital where he required facial surgery.
“It just sounds like an opportunistic mob or gang mentality,” Det Sgt Kershaw said.
“It looks like alcohol might have been involved.”
Police are still searching for the five youths, who were described as being of Pacific Islander in appearance.
“No one has been apprehended as yet and we are calling on the public for assistance,” Det Sgt Kershaw said.
“We’ll be looking at CCTV footage from the surrounding areas and footage from the taxi.
“We will identify them; it’s obviously a lot better for them if they come forward though.”
On the same day a man was arrested following an aggravated burglary in Westmill Drive in Hoppers Crossing.
The man entered a house while the residents slept inside and he attempted to steal laptops, an iPad and a handbag.
He was confronted by the owner of the house and fled through a rear sliding door.
Det Sgt Kershaw said he was caught by the K9 unit while hiding in the bushes out the front of a property in Cleveland Drive Hoppers Crossing.
He required medical treatment after he was bitten on the leg by a police dog and was interviewed at Werribee Police Station and charged and bailed to appear at the Werribee Magistrates Court on the 4 December.
He was also charged with an earlier theft from a motor vehicle.
Anyone with information about either incident should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
