Chef “fights off group with shovel” outside popular St Kilda restaurant

UPDATE: Police are investigating two ugly incidents at St Kilda.

Neil Mitchell received a tip about the attacks on Thursday night.

John told Neil he was driving along Jacka Boulevard, near the Stokehouse and Donovans, when he saw a large group of people on the road.

“I actually had to swerve,” he said on 3AW Mornings.

“If I didn’t swerve I probably would have hit them.”

He said there were about 10 to 15 people of African appearance surrounding a man in chef’s clothes.

“He had a shovel and was just swinging that shovel around trying to protect himself,” John said.

“I actually thought when I first saw it it was a Halloween play or something.”

Police have this afternoon released CCTV footage.

WATCH the footage below

Victoria Police said it’s believed a man was walking on Jacka Boulevard when he was approached by another man who demanded his phone and wallet about 10pm.

A group of about 10-15 males surrounded the victim and assaulted him, stealing his phone.

The 23-year-old victim was assessed on scene for minor injuries.

Police then confirmed a second incident nearby.

A 25-year-old man in the same vicinity was approached by a group of youths and assaulted.

It is understood the offenders tried to take his wallet, however they were unsuccessful.

The victim received minor lacerations to his head during the incident and was treated on scene.

Another man, who was with the victim, was also assessed at the scene but did not require any treatment.

Police are investigating whether the two incidents are linked and the investigation remains ongoing.

Investigators are continuing to speak to a number of witnesses and identify any footage that is relevant to the incident.

The offenders in both incidents are perceived to be of African appearance.

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

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