Police are hunting three people who allegedly punched and held down a woman on a Melbourne tram before stealing her phone and bank card while she was visiting the city from Queensland.

The 23-year-old woman and her father were travelling from Carlton into the city on the 86 tram when she was attacked on November 4.

She was approached by a woman and two men who had been annoying other passengers on the tram.

An argument broke out between them and the 23-year-old was punched in the face. The two men held her while the other woman continued to hit her.

The victim's phone and debit card were also taken. ( Supplied: Victoria Police )

Police said the victim's father tried to intervene but was knocked down the steps of the tram during the struggle.

The offenders jumped off the tram at the intersection of Russell and Bourke streets, with one of them grabbing the woman's phone, debit card, licence and some cash.

The card was then used to buy items at a number of places across the CBD.

Police said the female attacker was Caucasian with a solid build and light brown or blonde hair tied up in a bun. The two men were also Caucasian and in their mid-to-late 20s.

Investigators released images taken from CCTV footage of three people they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries and have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.