Police renew call for help

Victoria Police have issued another call for information about a sexual assault that occurred on Australia Day in Prahran.

Police are still searching for a man in his 20s, believed to have sexually assaulted another man between 2.30am and 3am on Thursday, January 26.

It’s believed a 24-year-old South Yarra man was walking north along Balmoral St when an unknown male approached and pressed a sharp object into his back.

Police have been told the victim was forced into Portland Place, between Grosvenor and Cliff Sts, pushed against a fence and sexually assaulted.

The perpetrator was then disturbed by a car which shone its headlights on the scene, and he ran north along Portland Place.

Investigating Detective Senior Constable Jason Kok said while police had received some information from the community following the initial Crime Stoppers report, more information is needed to identify the offender.

“We’re seeking witnesses or anybody who may know something, or may have heard something [about the incident],” Kok told the Star Observer.

He said police are especially interested to speak to the driver of the car that disturbed the assault, and two people who were said to have been walking nearby.

Kok said it’s possible the car was a taxi that had dropped the two people off.

Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer, Senior Constable Gabrielle Tyacke called on anyone with information to contact police.

“Whoever committed the offence on Australia Day could possibly still be around and there may be other victims,” Tyacke told the Star Observer.

“We call on the community to offer any information, anyone who’s seen someone or heard something to come forward.”

The offender has been described as being of medium build, between 175cm to 180cm, with short dark brown hair. He was wearing a dark T-shirt and shorts and had an earring or stud in his right ear.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

INFO: www.crimestoppers.com.au