The attack was one of a number of violent incidents that prompted calls for Port Phillip Council to permanently ban alcohol on St Kilda's foreshore during summer. The council, bowing to rising pressure from businesses and police, voted to introduce the booze ban last week. It is expected to come into force next week. Image from CCTV footage showing the assault in St Kilda. The latest attack comes a month after a similar incident when a young chef and a 23-year-old man were set upon outside Donovan's restaurant. CCTV footage of the latest incident shows the victims walking along the foreshore about 11.15pm when they were set upon by up to 10 youths, before another 10 joined in. The victims tried to walk away, but they continued to be hassled by the group before things escalated further.

“Unprovoked, random, senseless, brutal are probably the best words to describe it,” Senior Constable Sheppard said. “CCTV [paints] a fairly telling story of what took place.” The violent group rained punches and kicks on two of the men as they lay on the ground trying to shield themselves from the blows. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video A 24-year-old Burwood East man suffered a broken nose and facial bruising in the attack. As he lay motionless on the ground, the offenders rifled through his pockets, stealing his wallet and mobile phone.

His friend, a 26-year-old Wheelers Hill man, tried to intervene in the attack, but was kicked in the head, chest and stomach until he collapsed on the ground. The two men were taken to hospital and discharged the following day. A third man from Vermont South was chased from the area. He suffered minor injuries, but declined treatment. The group is described as being African in appearance, and are believed to be in their mid-teens to early 20s. Police have released images of the a group of males they wish to speak to. Investigators have released images of a number of males who they wish to speak to over the violent assault and robbery on the St Kilda Foreshore on December 1. Credit:Victoria Police

There were several violent assaults in St Kilda last summer, including one where a large group of youths allegedly bashed and robbed beachgoers in a wild brawl on the foreshore in the early hours of the morning. Police have ramped up patrols along the foreshore in a bid to crack down on the violence, with a recent two-day operation nabbing 20 people for a range of offences, including possessing weapons and drugs. Police have been trying to piece together what took place on the night of December 1 and are asking anyone with information, as well as footage, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.