Police are searching for seven teenagers who bashed a man in South Melbourne with poles after demanding he hand over money.

One of the teenagers was wearing a black Mossimo jumper. ( Supplied: Victoria Police )

Detectives were told the 55-year-old man was attacked while walking home from work on Clarendon Street about 4:20am on Tuesday.

Police said the man was hit on the head after telling the group of seven teenagers, who were armed with metal or wooden poles, that he had no money to hand over.

He ran but fell on the road, where he was again assaulted before the teenagers fled empty handed.

The 55-year-old was later treated in hospital for a broken eye socket and cuts to the head.

Police released images of the teenagers, who were described as aged between 16 and 18.

They were wearing hooded tops at the time of the attack, and some were carrying backpacks, police said.

One of the teenagers had a bandana around his mouth and nose.

Police urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.