Friends of an Indian national who died after being stabbed on his way to work in Melbourne, say he feared for his safety following a previous attack.

Police believe the 21-year-old was stabbed in a park at West Footscray last night, before he staggered to the fast food outlet where he worked, and collapsed.

He was taken to hospital but later died.

Police say there is nothing to suggest the stabbing was racially motivated.

But the man's housemate, Parminder Singh, says his friend was nervous after being beaten up by a group of men at the Newport Railway Station.

"They were just drunk and they wanted to find anyone to beat," he said.

"If they find someone alone they just beat [them] because they know nothing is going to happen after that.

"What will happen? Police will not do anything, they will just take them to the jail or just let them sit there, they will give them food and all facilities so they're not scared of anything."

Police Senior Sergeant Dave Snare says police have not found a weapon yet.

"We've had forensic out at examining the scene out at Hungry Jacks and in the park and also, with the assistance of the SES, we've done a line search through the park area," he said.

Police are awaiting the results of a post mortem examination.

An autopsy will be carried out on the man's body.