Police officer punched while arresting vandal in Melbourne

A police officer has been punched while arresting a man who was allegedly vandalising a building in Richmond overnight.

Authorities said two officers were patrolling Swan Street, Richmond, about 12.25am when they spotted a man writing graffiti on the wall of a building at Stanley Street.

The officers confronted the 19-year-old offender, and attempted to arrest him.

A second unknown man then arrived and ran at one of the police officers, punching him in the face, before fleeing the scene.

CCTV has been released showing the alleged offender shortly before the police officer was attacked.

He remains on the run.

The police officer was taken to hospital with serious facial injuries.

A 19-year-old man has since been charged with resisting arrest and has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on May 4.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000