POLICE are trying to identify a man of Maori appearance who delivered a coward punch in Warrnambool at 3am on Saturday morning.
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The victim was knocked unconscious and hit his head on the footpath on the corner of Timor and Kepler streets. He was transported to Warrnambool Base Hospital but only suffered minor injuries.
Constable Jordan Harris said police officers had spoken to a couple of witnesses but were still in the process of trying to identify the offender.
“The incident happened as people were just starting to filter out (of licensed premises) at closing time,” he said.
“The offender has approached the victim from behind, spoken to him, the victim turned around and received a blow to the cheek which knocked him out.”
Constable Harris said the assault was unprovoked, there was no warning and the victim suffered bruising and swelling.
“It could have been far worse — there was the potential for a real tragedy to occur. The offender is described as being tall, of New Zealand Maori appearance and he was wearing jeans and a maroon top,” he said.
“Anyone who saw this man on Friday night or Saturday morning and knows him is requested to contact the Warrnambool police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”