A man who defended a taxi driver during a vicious attack in Williamstown has received severe facial injuries after the attacker turned his rage on him, police say.
The incident began with an argument between the taxi driver and the offender after the cab driver refused to take a woman home from Nelson Place about 1am on Sunday.
Victoria Police’s Leading Constable Lee Thompson said the woman had “hailed a taxi driver and he refused her fare”.
“The male [attacker] has then taken offence to that and assaulted the driver,” she said. It’s unknown whether the man and the woman knew each other.
Police media officer Clair White said that when a bystander tried to help, the attacker turned his attention to the ‘good Samaritan’ and hit him in the face.
“The good Samaritan, a 27-year-old Point Cook man, received significant facial injuries and was taken to Werribee Hospital,” Ms White said. The attacker fled on foot.
Ms White said several other fights broke out after the man ran off. Police do not believe they were related.
The offender is described as fair-skinned, aged in his early 20s, with a slim build and light brown hair. He was wearing blue pants and a dark top.
Anyone who witnessed the attack can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
