Melbourne father and son bashed with bricks after chasing thieves

A father and his son have become the victims of a serious assault in Mount Waverley overnight after chasing down two men trying to break into their car outside their home.

At about 1.25am Gerardo Lardieri and his 23-year-old son heard a noise outside their Carrol Grove home.

When they pair came outside to investigate they were confronted by two thieves who then fled.

After a short pursuit, the two thieves turned and attacked the pair, striking both on the back of the head with a brick or rock before running off.

"Somebody threw something at me and I fell down on the ground ... I've got a lesion around the eye socket and twelve stitches," Mr Lardieri said.

The 59-year-old father said he has lived in the area for 33 years and has never experienced violence like it.

"Obviously they are people that have no respect for anyone," he said.

The victims were taken to hospital with serious but non life-threatening head injuries and were released this morning.

Both of the attackers are described as aged between 18 and 20 with medium builds.

One is approximately 183cm tall and was wearing a red hoodie and dark pants at the time of the attack.

The second is approximately 170cm tall and was wearing a grey jumper and dark pants.

Police believe the same two men stole a white 1994 Nissan Pulsar with number plate FQC461 on Ferntree Gully Road, one kilometre from the alleged attack.

Anyone with information that may assist the police investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.