Gangs of hundreds of youths have gone on a beachside rampage, brawling and robbing locals and tourists.

Shocked bystanders said close to 200 youths of African appearance were involved in the violence at Melbourne's St Kilda beach early on Thursday morning.

Police struggled to contain the fighting, overwhelmed by the huge numbers of teen thugs.

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Gangs of hundreds of youths have gone on a beachside rampage, brawling and robbing locals and tourists (pictured is one of the fights)

They are now appealing for witnesses to come forward and urging the offenders to turn themselves in.

Footage of the rolling brawls shows young men and women trading punches and kicks on the beachfront, Seven News reported.

Up to 60 youths clashed at a McDonald's restaurant on The Esplanade, and police were called at 2:55am.

Inspector Jason Kelly called the actions of the teens unacceptable and said police are now hunting those responsible.

Shocked bystanders said close to 200 youths of African appearance were involved in the violence at Melbourne's St Kilda beach early on Thursday morning (pictured is a McDonald's restaurant damaged in one of the brawls)

Police struggled to contain the fighting, overwhelmed by the huge numbers of teen thugs (pictured)

Footage of the rolling brawls shows young men and women trading punches and kicks on the beachfront

'Unfortunately last night we had a large number of youth attend, of African appearance, who have engaged in anti-social behaviour,' he said.

'They've committed crimes, they've been involved in a number of assaults on the foreshore of St Kilda.'

The father of one teenage victim of the thugs said his 16-year-old son was robbed of his phone, watch and even his shirt, after being punched over and over again.

Up to 60 youths clashed at a McDonald's restaurant on The Esplanade, and police were called at 2:55am

Beachgoers eating at nearby restaurants applauded police for their efforts to keep the rampaging teens under control, but said there were simply too many involved.

'Police officers handled it the best that they could, I think they were really outnumbers and struggled to get a handle on it,' said one witness.

Anyone with any information or footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.