Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following an assault in Tuerong yesterday.
Investigators have been told a 19-year-old Bentleigh East man was swimming with friends at Devil's Bend Reserve, just off Graydens Road, about 6.15pm
They were walking back to the carpark when they came across a group of about ten unknown males by the water's edge.
One of the males from the other group threw a rock at the 19-year-old, narrowly missing him.
A verbal altercation took place before one of the males from the group punched the victim, causing him to fall to the ground.
The offender then kicked the man in the head, causing him to lose consciousness, before running off on foot.
The victim's friends took him to a local hospital where he was then transported to Melbourne with a suspected broken neck.
The offender is perceived to be Maori or Islander appearance, approximately 183cm tall with black curly hair, shaved on both sides, solid build with a tattoo on his chest.
The group that were with the offender were using two vehicles, one described as a blue Holden Calais VZ and a silver Commodore.
Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
