Police speak to man after young British woman attacked on busy Melbourne street
A man has handed himself into police after a young British tourist was allegedly punched in the face during a night out in Melbourne's inner suburbs last month, police have said.
Poppy, 20, was walking along Swan Street in Richmond with her friends when a group of men approached her about 11.45pm on September 21.
One of the men began waving a scarf or flag in her face before she attempted to push him away when he punched her.
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Poppy, 20, addressed media today. Nine
"I went to push him away to leave me alone. He then punched me. I don't remember much apart from getting off the ground and walking away," Poppy told reporters today.
"It was scary."
The group walked off with bystanders stepping in to make sure she was OK.
"I wasn't with a lot of people and it was really intimidating. They were being really rowdy because a football game just finished, they were quite boisterous," she said.
Poppy was taken to hospital where she needed surgery for a fractured jaw, along with extensive dental work.
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Police released an image of a man following the attack in Melbourne that left a woman with a broken jaw. Victoria Police
"I have had stitches from my left ear to my cheek to my mouth. I had to have a wisdom tooth taken out. I have two titanium plates [in my jaw]," she said.
"It has put me off I don't want to happen again and I don't really feel safe."
A Victoria Police spokesperson said a man has since made himself known to police.
"Enquiries are ongoing," a spokesperson said.
Senior Constable Elissa Dykstra said police condemned any violence, particularly to women.
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Senior Constable Elissa Dykstra described the footage as "horrific" and "disturbing". Nine
"Any behaviour like this is concerning," she said.
"The footage is pretty horrific. It's absolutely disturbing.
"Any person should be able to go out on a Saturday and enjoy your time, especially being a female in the company of her friends."
Anybody with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.
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