FOOTAGE has emerged of wild scenes at St Kilda Beach as hundreds of youths brawled, allegedly bashing and robbing tourists at one of Melbourne’s most popular drawcards.

Police struggled to contain the situation as young people of African appearance fought each other and assaulted bystanders early yesterday morning.

Shocking video emerged last night showing young men and woman kicking, punching and slapping each other as dozens of onlookers shouted abuse.

media_camera Wild scenes on St Kilda Beach. Footage: Channel 7 media_camera The brawl broke out between groups on the foreshore. Footage: Channel 7

media_camera Police are investigating after a wild brawl broke out St Kilda’s foreshore. Footage: Channel 7 media_camera Fists fly as two women attack each other. Footage: Channel 7

Police were called to The Esplanade at 2.55am after 60 youths trashed a McDonald’s restaurant, throwing chairs and smashing a window.

It followed a series of assaults and robberies along the Esplanade earlier in the evening that police described as “unacceptable”.

media_camera Police are probing the violence. Footage: Channel 7

media_camera Two women face off. Footage: Channel 7

Inspector Jason Kelly said police were investigating.

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

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

“Their behaviour was just totally unacceptable and I’d call on them to come forward and hand themselves in before we track them down.”

Anyone with any information or footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.

david.hurley@news.com.au

@davidhurleyHS