A serious assault in Alma Park, Windsor, has all the hallmarks of a gay-bashing, according to an eyewitness.

According to a police statement, a 34-year-old man suffered “a gash to the arm and leg in an attempted robbery” with what is believed to have been a Stanley knife.

The incident occurred around 12.30am on Monday, January 25, 2010.

However, an eyewitness told MCV the man was attacked by three men who entered the popular beat to harass homosexuals.

“Three guys came into the park and found a number of gay guys and chased them out of the park,” John [not his real name] told MCV. “They cleared the park.”

According to John, people began to drift back into the park again after some time passed, thinking the three men had left. “But those three guys chased them out again,” John said.

Some time later, John saw a young man walk into the park alone.

“Basically, he walked into a trap,” John said.

Shortly afterwards, according to John, the man came out of the park in a bad state.

“I went up to him and asked if he was alright, but I think he was in shock, he couldn’t answer me,” John said.

The man staggered to the service station on the corner of Chapel Street and Dandenong Road and a short while later police began to arrive.

“I’d say about 20 police officers showed up,” John said. “Police cars came from everywhere.”

Subsequently the dog squad arrived and a police helicopter.

It was believed the men may still have been in the park, but the trio had fled.

The offenders are described as being in their early 20s, medium build, wearing tracksuit pants.

The male with the knife is described as having light-coloured hair, and all carried torches and one may have had a bicycle with him.

John was questioned by police and told them what he had seen. “I’ll have to say the attitude of the police was brilliant,” he said.

It is not known if the victim was gay or just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Victoria Police Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer state coordinator Sgt Scott Davis said police were still investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack, but they were aware Alma Park is a well-known beat and were considering that as part of the investigation.

“If anyone is considering going to a beat, they need to consider their own safety first,” Davis told MCV.

“Know the location; know the exit points; know where you can get help if need be – like a 7-Eleven or all-night service station; don’t carry anything valuable; and if a demand is made for goods of value, give them up.

“Then you can become a good witness for us by getting facial descriptions, car descriptions and direction of travel and we can get your goods back later.

“Above all, your life is more important than your watch or your mobile phone.”

As MCV went to press the victim remained in hospital and no arrests have been made.

Davis asked that anybody who may have seen anything in Alma Park in the early hours of Monday, January 25 contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au

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