The 25-year-old victim was walking home after finishing his shift about 11.50pm when he was attacked on Aitkins Road.

Detective Senior Constable Wayne Ryan, of the Warrnambool police Crime Investigation Unit, said the victim was approached by a man asking for the time and to borrow a mobile phone to make a call. 

"The victim handed over his phone and was then savagely punched to the face, suffering severe damage to his mouth and teeth," he said. “The offender then fled in a westerly direction."

Detective Senior Constable Ryan said the abattoir worker attempted to chase his attacker but was instead confronted by a second man who was wielding a knife and demanded the victim's wallet. He said the victim retreated and both offenders fled west along Aitkins Road.