In yet another severely unfortunate explication of why we can’t have nice things, a Melbourne venue was recently the scene of an assault that resulted in the hospitalisation of two revellers, following an argument on the dance floor of The Penny Black in Melbourne.

As The Herald Sun reports, Detective Senior Constable Bryan Strangman from the Moreland Crime Investigation Unit said the trouble began inside the venue when the main offender involved in the brawl tried to force two women’s heads together to make them kiss as they were dancing.

According to Sen-Constable Strangman, the women’s boyfriends, who were the victims, intervened and an argument ensued. The offender, whom police are now looking to identify, was subsequently ejected from the premises by venue security.

The man is said to have then rallied up his mates, with up to seven individuals later ambushing the victims in the laneway between The Penny Black and the Duke of Edinburgh on Sydney Rd just after 1am on Sunday.

As CCTV footage shows, the outnumbered victims were beaten to the ground, before being repeatedly kicked in the head by the assailants, rendering them unconscious. News Corp is reporting that the two men suffered facial fractures, concussions, and broken teeth, and had to be taken to hospital.

Detectives have released footage of what Sen-Constable Strangman described as “a horrible ambush” as part of a public appeal to identify the culprits. “The footage that we have is quite brutal,” said Sen-Constable Strangman. “It shows the victims being knocked out.”

“They’ve continued to assault them while they were on the ground. One of the victims was punched in the back of the head. I think it’s a case that this could’ve been a lot worse. The injuries sustained could have been life threatening. (The victims) are quite traumatised. It was very unexpected. Very cowardly.”

Sen-Constable Strangman said police are particularly interested in speaking with a solidly built man seen in the security footage with short, dark hair, wearing a black short-sleeved shirt with the number three on the front and back.

CCTV footage depicts the man waiting out the front of the venue with a group of men, before they walk off towards the lane way. Lane way security cameras managed to capture the man and his mates attacking the pair, with their helpless girlfriends left to jump out of the way to avoid being caught in the ambush.

“We are appealing to the public to watch the footage, as I’m sure someone will know who they are,” said Sen-Constable Strangman. “We are also appealing for the offenders to hand themselves in as this matter won’t go away.”

The victims, aged 21 and 23 from the Reservoir area in Melbourne, have since been discharged from hospital. Anyone with further information about the attack or the assailants is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. See CCTV footage of the attack via The Herald Sun.

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