Police are appealing for public assistance following an assault in Preston earlier this week.
It is understood three men were walking south on Gilbert Street, then stopped and one of them graffitied on a property about 9.30pm on Tuesday, 17 January.
Investigators were told a man came out of the house to confront them before he was assaulted.
The 51-year-old man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police were told the three offenders fled the scene on foot towards Benambra Street.
The investigation is ongoing to establish the exact circumstances around the incident.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or dashcam footage from nearby or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at ww.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
