An off-duty Protective Services Officer (PSO) has been allegedly bashed in front of his six-year-old son by a group of males at Parkmore Shopping Centre, Keysborough.
The man was approached outside Nandos restaurant about 1.20pm on Sunday 19 August by a male demanding a cigarette.
After refusing, the victim spoke to the male for several minutes, Greater Dandenong CIU police say.
He was then pushed in the chest by a second male.
The first male punched the officer in the face, causing a severely cut lip.
The victim’s son was metres away, waiting just inside the shopping centre entrance.
Police believe there was a third male nearby who was associated with the two offenders but wasn’t involved in the bashing.
The three males were described as being of Pacific Islander appearance.
Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
