MASKED thugs ambushed and assaulted two international vanpackers in a late-night assault described by police as “gutless”.
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The tourists were camped in a campervan at a lookout along the Great Ocean Road when a group of people tried to lure them out of the van by calling out for help about 12.30am yesterday.
When the man opened the door of the campervan he was hit to the head with an unknown object.
First Constable Jeremy Allen from Warrnambool criminal investigation unit (CIU) didn’t divulge where the tourists were from but said he was concerned about the nature of the attack.
“It was pretty brutal, gutless and very concerning heading into the busy summer tourist season,” he said.
“There were multiple offenders who all had their faces covered,” First Constable Allen said.
“When the male opened the door, he was struck to the head with an unknown object. He received a couple of knocks to the head and his girlfriend has defensive wounds.”
First Constable Allen said the offenders made demands for cash and belongings before smashing a side window in the van.
“The couple then handed over some property,” he said.
“They didn’t have a mobile phone to call for help, so drove to the Port Campbell police station for assistance.”
First Constable Allen said the assault was unusual for the region.
“It’s completely gutless. Hopefully it’s just a one-off and not the start of a wave of them.”
The officer said campers, particulary those staying in remote locations and outside caravan parks, should remain vigilant and ensure they had a way of communicating.
“Carrying a mobile phone and making sure people know where you are at all times is advisable,” he said.
First Constable Allen said anyone with information about the incident should contact the Warrnambool criminal investigation unit.