Police are appealing for witnesses to a series of robberies which occurred in Melbourne last night and this morning.
Detectives are investigating whether all four incidents are linked.
Police responded to reports of a robbery on Swanston Street last night.
It is believed a group of five unknown male offenders approached the victim about 8.45pm and attempted to steal his phone and wallet.
The victim was uninjured and the offenders fled on foot empty handed.
In the second incident it’s alleged a group of offenders stole tobacco and attempted to steal a mobile phone from two victims in Banana Alley at about 12.15am this morning.
The offenders fled and were chased by the victims before the offenders confronted the victims and assaulted them.
The victims received non-life-threatening injuries and were conveyed to hospital.
In the third incident it’s alleged that a robbery occurred on Queen Street, Melbourne at about 3.55am this morning.
Two women were assaulted and had a speaker and tobacco stolen by a group of six male offenders.
One woman was sexually assaulted and the other woman was punched to the face before the offenders fled.
The women were not physically injured.
One of the offenders is described as being African in appearance, aged in his late teens and wearing a white t-shirt with Balenciaga printed on the front.
Police are also investigating a fourth robbery outside a restaurant that occurred in Southbank this morning at about 7am.
It is believed two victims were at the intersection of Clarendon Street and City Road when they had their mobile phones stolen by two males who fled on foot.
One of the victims was assaulted and received a minor injury to the head after being head-butted.
Police have arrested two men who are currently in custody and are assisting police with their enquiries into these incidents.
It’s believed a number of other offenders may have been involved and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
