Victoria Police release images of alleged perpetrators in Melbourne aquatic centre lifeguard assault

Victoria Police are calling for the public to help identify a group of youths responsible for an attack on a lifeguard at the Casey Aquatic Recreation Centre (ARC) in Narre Warren on Sunday evening.

The 19-year-old lifeguard was on patrol at the facility when he was approached by a group of youths and assaulted just before 6pm. The youths then fled the scene.

Earlier the lifeguard had apparently tried to eject the group from the pool for dangerous behaviour.

Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives have advised that the group, perceived to be of Middle Eastern appearance (although local media reports indicate that they appeared to be of Afghani-origin), reportedly punched, kicked and headbutted the lifeguard, leaving his uniform covered in blood.

Victoria Police Detective acting Senior Sergeant Luke Shore told 9News “they've been at the swimming facility throughout most of the day and have been quite disruptive and rude and disobeying instructions from the lifeguard at the time.

"As a result of being told to leave after numerous warnings, they've refused to and as a result they've set upon and assaulted the young lifeguard.

"(It's) cowardly and really disturbing, particularly in the context of a young 19-year-old male performing his duties as a lifeguard to try and keep members of the public safe."

The lifeguard was taken to Dandenong hospital with bruises, cuts and scratches across his upper body and has since been discharged.

Acting Senior Sergeant Shore added “it was an up to eight-on-one attack ... it's really disturbing, really concerning, and we want to hold these people to account.”

Operator Aligned Leisure is understood to have increased security at the centre in response to the incident.

In 2014, the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre was forced to close after an incident in which a group of teenagers charged two lifeguards and pushed them into the pool from behind.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Image: Pictures of the alleged perpetrators responsible for Sunday’s attack. Credit: Victoria Police.