Supplied video obtained Wednesday, June 19, 2019 and released by police after a man was stabbed with a pencil in a Melbourne laneway on May 17. Police are hoping the man pictured in the video can assist with their inquiries following the alleged attack near Collins Street. (AAP Video/Supplied/Victoria Police) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Cops release CCTV after man on smoko stabbed multiple times with pencil

A man on his smoke break in a Melbourne laneway had no time to react before he was stabbed multiple times with pencils.

Victoria Police today released CCTV vision of the attack at McGraths Lane between Collins and Little Collins streets on May 17.

The footage shows a man in a cream-coloured jumper and black shorts walking along the laneway towards the victim.

Without warning, he reaches into the right sleeve of his jumper and pulls out two pencils before thrusting them towards his victim.

Victoria Police shared the footage with the media today and issued a short statement.

“An unknown man approached the victim, dragged him to the ground and stabbed him multiple times with two pencils,” Senior Constable Alistair Parsons said.

“A number of witnesses attempted to push the man off the victim, but he continued the attack before walking away towards Collins Street.

“The victim, a 20-year-old South Yarra man, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.”

Police are urging anyone who recognises the attacker, or has information about the incident, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report to crimestoppersvic.com.au.