University student randomly attacked during New Year's celebrations in Melbourne

A 19-year-old university student has spoken out after becoming the victim of a one-punch attack as he rang in 2019 in Melbourne’s CBD.

Tioram McDonough was watching fireworks at Batman Park with his friend about midnight on Monday when they noticed trouble brewing.

“There was a large group of people throwing punches, and it gradually moved towards us, and someone pulled out a Taser and started attacking people,” Mr McDonough told 9News.

As the brawl moved closer, the engineering student tried to calm the situation, but before he knew it he was at the centre of the violence.

“I registered someone coming towards me… and felt his fist connect to my face… it was a right hook.”

After being assaulted, the teen and his friend walked to Flinders Street Station where he sought medical treatment at a first aid tent.

He was cleared of concussion, and caught the train home to his family.

“(There was) no point trying to fight them. (I) just tried to get away.”

The victim has told police his attacker was African in appearance, about 19 years old and 175 centimetres tall. He had curly black hair that was shorter on the sides and back, and at the time he was wearing a grey jumper and dark pants.

With investigations now underway, a bruised Mr McDonough said he hopes violence stays away from Melbourne’s streets.

“We’ve got a great society… let’s not let it be ruined by people who want to fight and cause trouble.”

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

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