A 24-year-old man bashed and robbed by four thugs in the Perth CBD says they told him they had a hatchet and would “slam it over his head” if he did not hand over his backpack.

Caolan said he knew he was in trouble as soon as the four dark-skinned men surrounded him and a friend as they sat in the Hall Street Mall, near Trinity Arcade, about 1.15am on Tuesday, January 8.

He said the group wanted cigarettes and then demanded to know what was in his bag.

“They slammed this bag next to us, opened it and reckoned they had a hatchet inside,” he recounted. “[One said] he’d give us five seconds before he slammed the hatchet over my head if I didn’t give him my bag.”

Caolan said he grabbed his bag and ran but was punched by one of the assailants as he tried to flee.

“[I] ran straight into one of the guy’s fists and it knocked my tooth out,” he said.

He said the worst moment was when the attackers caught up to him as he ran.

“I tripped over my own feet and they just jumped on me,” he said.

Camera Icon This is one the suspects in a robbery in Perth’s CBD on January 8. Credit: WA Police

The thugs punched and kicked him as he tried to use his backpack to protect himself from the blows, yelling at them that he did not want to fight.

He said fortunately, his wallet fell from his pocket and the men grabbed it and his phone and left.

“So I was pretty lucky really,” Caolan said, about escaping with just a broken tooth and bruising.

Perth Det-Const. Summersby said it was fortunate Caolan had not sustained permanent injuries.

“It could have been a whole lot worse,” he said. “It was just an unprovoked, cowardly attack. “It is of a violent nature. “As you can understand he wants to get these people prosecuted so we’re appealing for anyone with information to contact police.”

He said CCTV footage of the suspects was quite clear and police were hopeful the public could help to identify them.

“The message we want to portray obviously to the suspects is ‘that’s not on, people have the right to enter the city and not be attacked or be victimised’,” Det-Const. Summersby said.

Police have reviewed footage of the suspects in the Perth CBD that night but have not yet linked them to any other crimes.

The thugs are described as being dark skinned men in their mid-twenties to early thirties.

The first suspect is described as being in his late 20s, of slim build, 180cm tall, with a moustache and dark hair tied in a ponytail. He was wearing a camouflage top with NY written in white on the left top corner.

The second suspect is described as being in his late 20s, of slim build, 180cm tall, short black hair, shown wearing white NY shirt in first photo and has it removed and wearing a black t-shirt in second photo.

The third suspect is described as being aged 30 to 35, of medium build, 180cm to 185cm tall, moustache and black hair. He was wearing a navy blue t-shirt with NYC written in large white writing and was carrying a grey/black and blue backpack.

The fourth suspect is described as being in his late 20s, of muscular build, about 180cm to 185cm tall, tattoo script on both inner biceps, short dark hair and wearing a black t-shirt and light blue/white coloured jeans.

Anyone who witnessed the robbery or has any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperswa.com.au