A father has been assaulted in front of his young children after making a comment towards two graffiti vandals in a Melbourne laneway.

The 44-year-old Carlton man was walking with his two children, aged 4 and 7, along a laneway off Nicholson Street in Carlton North about 2.30pm on March 21, when he noticed two men spray painting graffiti on a brick wall.

The two men police wish to speak to. Credit:Victoria Police.

The father has told police the two men attacked him after he made a comment about their behaviour.

The graffiti vandals punched the victim and ripped his shirt.