Melbourne man punched and choked unconscious in grand final day attack

A confronting photo has been released of an injured man who was knocked unconscious in a callous assault on AFL grand final day in Melbourne.

The 40-year-old man was walking home on Queensberry Street in North Melbourne just before midnight on October 3 when he was punched by his assailant.

The victim had recently undergone neck surgery was unable to fight back as he was punched in the stomach and face before being choked unconscious.

The image, taken by a person who went to his aid and released today by Victoria Police, shows the man sprawled unconscious on the street as his suspected attacker walks away.

Police wish to speak to the man in a blue shirt in the photograph, believed to have been with two women also captured in the image.

Based upon witness accounts, police believe the offender may have had martial arts training or experience.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.